Mangotsfield United 3 Rothwell Town 2

MANGOTSFIELD increased their lead at the top to five points with a 3-2 win over visitors Rothwell Town and stretched their unbeaten run to ten games.

They were particularly pleased to atone for an earlier 3-1 defeat at Rothwell - an intimidating game that was very difficult for them.

But United's mindset was ready for this encounter. Gareth Loydon returned to the starting line-up and gave a convincing display while recent signing and fellow mid-fielder Ross Casey once again delivered a first class performance. Michael Meaker, was back from injury, and Drew Shore completed a midfield that never stopped battling.

With the driving rain behind them, Mangotsfield took the lead on 13 minutes from an inswinging corner delivered by Shore, with central defender Gary Warren heading in his third goal in the past three games.

United were firmly in charge in the first half and both Meaker and Casey were denied by good saves by Rothwell keeper John Hughes.

Things looked even better for Mangotsfield when four minutes after the interval Matt Locke opened up a two-goal gap when he broke down the right and cut inside his marker before lifting his 25 yard shot over the keeper and into the net.

Rothwell pulled one back in the 59th minute with a fierce drive by Reece Lester, but United restored their advantage five minutes later when Locke's free kick put David Seal through to score past the advancing Hughes.

Rothwell pushed players forward looking to salvage the game and managed to reduce the deficit to 3-2, thanks to a good goal from a free kick, but Mangotsfield seemed untroubled and hung on to deservedly take all three points.

"We played well on a difficult pitch and in poor conditions," said Mangotsfield manager Martyn Grimshaw, "but battled well against a strong and well-organised side.

"We dominated the first half and even when they later got back to 2-1 we never looked in any danger.

"I thought the win was most deserved. We made and scored the goals, and were solid in defence.

"However, there are still 12 games left and we have to maintain this form." Mangotsfield travel to sixth placed Brackley this Saturday, another difficult game to negotiate.