Mangotsfield United hit back with a much improved second-half performance to earn a deserved point from this local derby.

Paulton started strongly and in the opening minutes Mangotsfield were penalised on the edge of their penalty area when Scott Hendy pushed striker Robbie Claridge. Dan Cleverley's free kick was turned over the bar by goalkeeper Tony Court.

A Rob Cousins free kick was then headed on by Claridge to James Tyrell, whose header was turned over by Court.

Mangotsfield gave away another free-kick, which was taken by Paulton's new signing from Bath City, Raiff Gwinnett. However, Claridge's volley was just off target.

Defender Mike Trought, a former Paulton player, lasted only 34 minutes before being substituted as the home side continued to have the better of the game. It came as no surprise when they took a 38th-minute lead from the penalty spot through Cleverley after Mangotsfield defender Rob Scott handled a Gwinnett shot.

Mangotsfield came out fired up for the second half and took the game to their opponents, claiming an equaliser in the 54th minute.

James Pilling's cross was chested down by striker Tom Knighton, but his shot was blocked by Paulton's Jonjo O'Hara. The ball ran to Matt Knapman, though, and he beat goalkeeper Steve Perrin with a shot from 12 yards.

Mangotsfield continued to pin Paulton back and they took the lead in the 70th minute when a run down the right by Pilling saw the youngster cut inside to give Perrin no chance with a well-struck drive.

Mangotsfield paid the penalty for giving away free-kicks when Paulton equalised from a set-piece taken by Rob Cousins.

His delivery went to the far post, where central defender Ollie Price beat goalkeeper Court with a well-directed header.

Paulton staged a late rally, with Jamie Taylor and midfielder Ashley Caldwell both going close.