A brace from ex Cinderford striker Lewis Sommers helped Mangotsfield to victory in a keenly contested Gloucestershire derby. On 7 minutes Mangotsfield were handed the lead, Harris fumbled Sommers shot and the predatory Powell tucked home the rebound. This brought an immediate response as Sawyer brilliantly tipped Preen’s effort over the bar. However Mangotsfield cleared their lines and the leviathan Sommers strode purposefully onto a long clearance which Harris failed to hold before walking the ball into the net. Powell was inches wide with a fine free kick while Cinderford put together some pleasing attacking movements but the final pass too often went astray. Town’s other major chance of the half also fell to Preen who brought a fine diving save from Sawyer.

Half Time Cinderford Town 0 Mangotsfield United 2

From a Thomas cross Andy Lewis missed a great chance for Cinderford and they were made to pay on 53 minutes when Sommers despatched a Williams cross after a mistake by Archer. After a driving run from Evans, Hunt was denied by Sawyer; however Lloyd’s cut the deficit with a superb long range strike on the hour. Harris saved at Sommers feet then another ex Cinderford Egan hit the post. Lloyd and Preen went close for Town while Harris’s double block kept out Powell and Robbins. In difficult conditions Town showed real spirit battling away to the end and Green’s free kick squeaked over the bar as they strove for another goal. On Saturday Town travel to Shortwood kick off 15.00pm.

Full Time Cinderford Town 1 Mangotsfield United 3

Referee C Smith
Attendance 122
MOM L Sommers

Cinderford Town Team A Harris, K Thomas, J Newall, W Archer capt, G Lewis, D Evans, G Preen, J Tumulty (C Green 73m), A Lewis, G Lloyd and S Hunt Subs not used J Sheen, L Hale and M Grindle.

Mangotsfield Town Team K Sawyer, N Arndale capt, T Parrinello, T Osman, M Sysum, J Reid, J Egan, A Williams, L Sommers (D Edwards 71m), L Powell, A Robbins. Subs not used Diallo and C Fortune.