Ciren slip up again after good run (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Ciren slip up again after good run

Mangotsfield United 3, Cirencester Town 0

CIRENCESTER visited Mangotsfield, without a league win in three months, hoping to continue their recent run of improved results.

But after dominating the first half without really threatening Danny Greaves in the Mangos' goal, they conceded three early second-half goals and faded to yet another disappointing defeat.

It looked optimistic early on.

After first Rob Claridge, with a free header, and Martin Paul, with an unchallenged volley, had failed to convert crosses from the lively David Anyinsah, Cirencester tightened up at the back, with Scott Fuller and Craig Fullam impressive both in their covering and in their distribution.

Cirencester controlled the midfield.

Although it was difficult to turn sharply on an icy pitch with a soft top both, Steve Cowe and Scott Griffin managed to get away from their markers enough times for Cirencester to have notched an advantage.

That they did not was down to a mix of effective defending and a fatal hesitation to shoot accurately when the openings came.

Greaves did manage to stop a fierce Griffin shot but Wimble should have shot when twice Griffin opened the defence to put him in on the left.

Cowe got Griffin free on the right but when Greaves advanced Cowe had not gambled to pick up Griffin's return centre and the ball was scrambled out. Griffin also went close three times with cunning near post headers from Lee Smith corners but the pressure could not be turned into results.

On 51 minutes, a poor clearing header from Neil Arndale reached James Zabek on the edge of the box and, unmarked, he rifled a half volley into the top corner to give Mangotsfield the lead.

Cirencester keeper, Paul Thompson, was poorly placed on 60 minutes when a gentle but accurate free kick from Wayne Thorne was sent past the wall and inside the far post.

A misplaced pass from Smith, on 64 minutes, let Martin Paul in behind Neil Arndale.

The cross was half-cleared.

Anyinsah bustled past Craig Fullam off the breakdown and shot past Thompson into the far corner.

With Cirencester trying to pick up scraps, Mangotsfield easily clinched the win.

Despite half a dozen scrambles from corners and an effort Marc Richards sent over the bar, Cirencester never put a shot on goal in the second half and finished looking short of ideas and even more likely to end the season in a relegation struggle.

This defeat leaves Cirencester facing a must-win home game against Bath City this weekend.

The club has appealed for all its followers to attend and give their support.

Mangotsfield Danny Greaves, Alex Ball, Wayne Thorne, Rob Cousins (c), Olly Price, Ross Casey, Dave Anyinsah Chris Lane 75, James Zabek Gary Warren 51, Rob Claridge David Seal 68, Martin Paul, Luke Prince. Other sub: Mark Summers. Cirencester: Paul Thompson, Neil Arndale (c), Kevin Halliday, Michael Jackson, Craig Fullam, Scott Fuller, Lee Smith Nathan Haisley 80, Steve Cowe Michael Symons 75, Scott Griffin, Shaun Wimble. Unused substitutes: Gareth Hopkins, Steve Cook, Lee Davis. Referee: Mr P Hutton (Plymouth). Attendance: 240. Man of the match: Ross Casey Mangotsfield.