Depleted Mangotsfield grind out win

Mangotsfield United 1 Thatcham Town 0: Injury-hit Mangotsfield United overcame the absence of Tony Court, Jack Allward and Mike Trought to grind out their second victory in five days in Division One of the Southern League.

Young goalkeeper Sam Alexander impressed with three superb saves and a clean sheet, but up front United still lack goals, although on this occasion one was enough.

Dean Stow was just off-target with an early effort for Thatcham before Kyle Tooze twice went close for Mangotsfield.

Alexander did well to keep out a Stefan Brown free-kick on the half-hour and minutes later he denied the same player when he turned a header over the bar.

Mangotsfield scored the only goal of the game in the 67th minute, when a Geraint Bater free-kick was flicked on by Scott Hendy for defender Rob Smith convert in a packed goalmouth.

Alexander then had to come charging outside his penalty are to head the ball clear to save a dangerous situation and Town substitute Danny Keen was denied by another fine save from the United goalkeeper.

Scott Hendy went close to increasing the lead with a header from a corner and then Tom Knighton missed the target with only the Town goalkeeper to beat.