Page 16 - Avonmouth FC v Almondsbury 091223

Avonmouth v Mangotsfield Utd
Avonmouth were given the option of either playing in the Glos Senior Amateur Cup,
which they had won the previous season, or being promoted to the Gloucestershire
Challenge Trophy that would see them pitted against the best senior teams in the
County. Manager Ash Bennett was keen to see how his side would perform against
higher standard clubs.
Avonmouth had promoted this mid-week game widely and were delighted with the
great attendance of over 250 spectators, including a number of ground hoppers
who had travelled big distances. After the previous rainy days, the teams were
playing on a slippery but great surface, and thankfully enjoying a dry evening.
Mangotsfield started brightly moving the ball around skilfully but Avonmouth had
the best of the early goal chances. Matty Groves dropped deep and hit a great 60
yard cross field pass up to Josh Pearce who had a defender hot on his heels and
then narrowly missed the target.
After 20 minutes of end-to-end football, Avonmouth grew in confidence with
Groves and Kyle O’Donovan pulling the strings in midfield, enabling several fast
moving attacks, however the experienced Mangotsfield defence held firm.
Six minutes later an Avonmouth corner ended with defender Kofi Martin hitting the
ball just over the bar from outside the penalty area. In the 39 minute Avonmouth
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were awarded a penalty for a foul tackle in the box and skipper Alfie Taylor fired
home to put Avonmouth into the lead. In the first half Avonmouth had the best
scoring chances and could easily have gone in three up, but thanks to Mangotsfield
keeper Jacob Glover they had to settle for just the one goal lead.
In the second half after 57 minutes, following a good save by Avonmouth keeper
Tom Bradley, the ball deflected off Mark Williams to a Mangotsfield player who
bicycle kicked it into an empty net to level the scores. Josh Pearce, who had caused
Mangotsfield problems with his pace, was fouled and had to be substituted due to
the resulting injury.
After 62 minutes Mangotsfield scored again, lobbing Avonmouth keeper Bradley
after great work by the ever dangerous right wing Kyrese Morrison. With five
minutes to go Mangotsfield were awarded a penalty following a rash challenge by
keeper Bradley, giving them a two goal lead. In the 89 minute Avonmouth
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substitute Kain Edmundson scored the goal of the game when he cut inside from
the right and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the Mangotsfield net. That goal
inspired Avonmouth who pressed continuously inside the Mangotsfield half, even
with keeper Bradley going up for corners, and with Avonmouth hitting the bar
during added time.
Mangotsfield survived the final Avonmouth onslaught, winning by the odd goal 2-3
when the full-time whistle went. But what a great performance from the
Avonmouth side to take a team a couple of leagues higher, right to the last minute!
Many spectators praised referee Adam Boubrahmi and his assistants, Nicholas
Beedell and Stewart West, on their performance and teamwork. Speaking after the
game, Avonmouth manager Ash Bennett was delighted with his sides performance
and not too disappointed with the result, and said they would now be concentrating
100% on the County League.