Southern League 2020/21 Division 1 South

Mangotsfield United 0 Cirencester Town 3

The Centurions made the short trip to Bristol to face a young Mangotsfield United side that has yet to secure any points this season and in difficult conditions were made to scrap for their victory, writes Dave Pyzer.

The hosts began very positively as they attacked down their flanks in the opening minutes but the final ball into the visitor’s box did not pose any problems and as a result Cirencester were allowed the time to settle.

By the time the mid-point of the half was reached the visitors were pressing regularly and a change of direction from Tommy Anderson followed by an astute pass into the home box resulted in Josh Parsons being knocked to the ground for a penalty.

Parsons calmly converted the spot kick.

Whilst Cirencester continued to press Mangotsfield countered with quick breaks down their flanks and from one of these Harry Simons fired over the bar.

On the stroke of half-time Anderson supplied Parsons who tucked his shot inside the left post for his second goal of the game.

With the wind behind them for the second half saw, the home side threatened early on, but they were unable to penetrate the Centurions rear-guard and the visitors began to press more often.

Cirencester were reduced to ten men for the last ten minutes, as substitute Levi Irving was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards in five minutes.

Despite being a man down, Jordan Morris reached the byline to deliver a looping cross to the far post where Aidan Bennett headed home to seal the game.

In the final minutes Mangotsfield rallied but the Cirencester defence stood firm.

Cirencester maintain their two point lead at the top of the table over AFC Totton.

NEXT: Town travel to Paulton Rovers on Wednesday night, in what could be their last game before the national lockdown.