South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2006 | January | 13
From the archive, first published Friday 13th Jan 2006.
Southern League Premier Division Cheshunt 2 Mangotsfield United 2
AN injury-time goal by former Bristol Rovers youngster Drew Shore pulled Mangotsfield out of the mire for a 2-2 draw.
The first half was dominated by Mangotsfield with Martin Paul hitting the bar and Rob Claridge and Dave Anyinsah both going close.
But for all their pressure they had to wait until 50 minutes before a goal by Claridge gave them the lead.
Cheshunt pulled themselves together though and former Swindon Town striker Lloyd Opara equalised from close range in the 51st minute.
Then with five minutes to go before the end of normal time Cheshunt's George Gregorio took his side into the lead with a neat chip over stranded Mangotsfield keeper Danny Greaves.
But deep into injury time United rescued a point when Shore's long range shot sailed into the net for a 2-2 result with the Cheshunt players vainly appealing for offside.
"We had more than enough chances to win this game," said Mangotsfield boss Martyn Grimshaw, "but after going a goal up we sat back and invited them on. After then going 2-1 down we were a bit fortunate to get a draw."
He added: "We now have to respond. The trouble is that after winning the league last season and then going top of the Premier there has been a lot of euphoria, with expectations high. We now have to respond to the blip, exactly as we did last season, and weather the storm. After all, we are still only one place off the play-offs."
An added factor at the moment is that United are still without four key players - Ross Casey, Ellis Wilmott, Gary Warren and Luke Prince. These are players who do make that difference.
This Saturday Mangotsfield are home to Bath City. Bath are just one place below United so this is likely to be a strongly contested and important game as Mangotsfield fight their way back into contention.
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