MANGOTSFIELD United returned to pre-season training in late June in readiness for the new season.
The first team will compete in the Hellenic League Premier Division for the fifth season in a row, starting with two away fixtures at Gloucestershire sides Fairford Town and Cirencester Town.
Manager Ollie Price will be looking to put together a side capable of challenging for promotion back to the Southern League, particularly as last season’s campaign began so well but soon dipped into mid-table due to inconsistent results.
Ollie arrived back at Cossham Street in the middle of last season and did what he could with the side he inherited, but as they say, tomorrow is another day, and the Mangos will be having another crack at promotion.
The Mangos have taken on a series of Southern League sides in their pre-season fixtures, starting with a 2-0 home win over Yate Town of the Premier South division.
This was followed by three home defeats, 5-2 to Division One South team Portishead Town, 3-2 to Premier South side Chippenham Town and 4-0 to Bristol Manor Farm of Division One South.
The Mangos then travelled to Devon to take on AFC Bideford, another Division One South side, losing 2-0.
Pre-season friendlies are, of course, training games with various triallists playing on both sides who will come and go before the season starts. It is all about getting a squad of players ready for the new league season and at this point, it is impossible to know who exactly will line up for the Mangos in August. So far, all of the friendlies have been useful workouts for the manager to consider.
August 1: Fairford Town (away)
August 4: Cirencester Town (A)
August 8: Easington Sports (A – FA Cup)
August 15: Kintbury Rangers (A – FA Vase)
August 18: Hallen (home)
August 29: Westfields (H)
Dave Smale