MANGOTSFIELD United have moved up to second place in the Hellenic League Premier division, as they catch up on home fixtures on their new 3G pitch.
A series of tough games over the festive period started with a hard-fought 3-0 home win against Hereford Pegasus.
Goals either side of half time by Kyrese Hasani Morrison (39 minutes) and Joe Porton (51) were very timely, but it was only when Morrison added a third goal on 66 minutes that the points were secured.
Next came a much-anticipated Gloucestershire FA Senior Challenge Cup semi-final against Bristol City Under-21s, switched to Cossham Street from City’s Failand academy ground.
The night proved to be a disaster for the Mangos, and City’s youngsters won with ease. The home side took the lead with an early goal by Joe Cattermole, but Kai Churchley netted twice before the break to put City 2-1 ahead. Archie Taylor and Zack Ali scored soon after the break, with Churchley, Tom Chaplin and Trayvion Jackson adding three more goals to complete a 7-1 rout.
The Mangos appeared to have a cup hangover when they lost 2-0 to fellow play-off hopefuls Sporting Club Inkberrow three days later.
After Christmas they bounced back to winning ways with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Worcester Raiders, courtesy of a third-minute goal by Kyrese Morrison, in front of an excellent crowd of 352. It was not an easy win, though, with Raiders going close on a number of occasions, particularly as the game drew to a close.
New Year’s Day saw a 4-0 win against Hereford outfit Westfields, courtesy of a hat-trick by Lewis Powell (10, 16 & 59 minutes), plus one right on half time by Michael Barry. Westfields kept plugging away through the whole game, and the Mangos had Stuart Tovey red-carded on 87 minutes, but it made no difference to the final result.
The next two games saw current league leaders Hartpury University and play-off hopefuls Roman Glass St George arrive at Cossham Street within the space of four days, providing a real test of promotion credentials.
The Hartpury University match was a tough one indeed. Jacob Towns put the visitors ahead on 54 minutes, but the Mangos kept battling away and were rewarded with an equaliser by Harrison Kyte on 90+3 minutes.
Mangotsfield were then able to concentrate on the visit of near neighbours and fellow promotion hopefuls Roman Glass St George, who have been a bogey side in recent years, but a strong performance saw the hosts run out 3-0 winners in front of another 300-plus crowd on a bitterly cold night.
Olly Sully (30 & 68) & Kyrese Morrison (78) were the goalscorers for the Mangos.
Mangotsfield then entertained Fairford Town in the Marsh Cup, but exited the tournament on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Archie Morris scored the Mangos’ goal on 56 minutes to take the game to a shoot-out, which they lost 4-3.
Dave Smale
Upcoming fixtures
(home unless stated):
January 25: Highworth Town
February 1: Cirencester Town
February 8: Corsham Town
February 11: Tuffley Rovers
February 15: Brimscombe & Thrupp
February 22: Malmesbury Victoria
February 25: Malmesbury Victoria (away)