POULTON just came out on top in a nine-goal thriller at The Beeches.

Cirencester League Div One

The Beeches 4

Poulton 5

The hosts went ahead straight from the kick-off when a swift move down the left resulted in Danny Gudger slotting the ball past goalkeeper Matt Genever.

Poulton recovered well to equalise through Steve Andrews after 13 minutes and although there was no further score during the first half there was plenty of action in the unseasonal conditions – water underfoot and at times torrential rain.

Mark Warriner restored Beeches' lead early in the second period but again Poulton were level in the 51st minute when Chris Mulcock headed home.

It was Poulton's turn to take the advantage when John Dawson netted in the 60th and 70th minutes to give the visitors a two-goal lead.

This was reduced just two minutes later when Gudger scored his second from a twice-taken penalty, but Andrews made it 5-3 for Poulton five minutes from the end. Jody Lawrence netted a fourth for Beeches in the last minute.