Gloucestershire F.A. Trophy

1st Round

Wednesday 15th November 2023

Kick Off 19.45 On Time!

Avonmouth 2 Mangotsfield United 3, attendance 258

39’ 1-0 (pen)

55’ 1-1

60’ 1-2

89’ 1-3 (pen)

90’ 2-3

@ North Bristol Park

Avonmouth Road

Avonmouth

BS11 9ND

No Admission

£1 Programme, 32 pages.

Tonight’s game was a first round county cup game, where 1st in Gloucestershire County League (Step 7) hosted 11th in Hellenic League Premier Division (Step 5). There was little between the two sides in a very even first half, with the opening goal going the way of the hosts, scoring with a penalty, awarded for a handball, six minutes before halftime. Mangotsfield levelled ten minutes into the second half and were in front five minutes later, coolly lobbing the ‘keeper at the near post after being played through on the right side of the 18 yard box. When they made it 1-3 with a minute left, converting a penalty, awarded following a foul by the ‘keeper, it looked all over, but Avonmouth hit back immediately, setting up a tense finish. There were five minutes of stoppage time, spent mainly in the Mangotsfield half of the pitch, but although they hit the crossbar during this time, Avonmouth were unable to get an equaliser.

The ground here is entered via an alleyway adjacent to Number 31 Avonmouth Road, right underneath the flyover of the M5 motorway. A little further along there is vehicular access, but no car park as such, just about room for half a dozen cars. The ground is developing nicely and the clubhouse, which was up and running well over a hour before kick off, was doing a good trade in the usual bar snacks, with filled rolls also available. The club are regular programme issuers, available on-line, as well as a limited number of printed copies too. The club coped well with a very impressive crowd of over 250. The pitch was in good condition too, considering the amount of rain recently. The club were updating their social media over the days leading up to the game and confirmed to me within minutes, via a reply on Twitter, that the game was on okay. Nice to see, as so many clubs never bother!

Their ambition is to progress to Step 6. They look capable of achieving their aim this season (P11 W10 L1), but if not, it is surely only a matter of time before they do make the step up. They certainly have the feel of a club heading in the right direction.

Trouble free journey in both directions, via the M25, M4 and M5. That’s the Gloucestershire County League ground visits complete once again.

Above : Avonmouth open the scoring from the penalty spot.