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City completed their pre-season campaign in an almost traditional manner with their poorest performance of the summer, succumbing 2-0 to an injury-hit Mangotsfield United side. And this was despite City boss Alan Pridham fielding what appeared to be his strongest line-up. The only likely starter from next weeks opening league match with Chelmsford City was striker Graham MaClean, following his head injury against Cardiff City. This gave a chance to in-form striker Sam Allison - who finally signed a new contract prior to the game - but he was guilty of missing a number of openings as City created chances but failed to find the net. The first of these openings came as early as the the third minute, Milsom missing the target on this occasion, before the same player failed to control a great pass by Crandon after 24 minutes. The home side began to get into the game more as the half progressed and Claridge saw a shot narrowly clear Hervin's bar around the half hour mark. Seal then twice went close, first seeing Hervin turn away his header and then striking the post with a low shot. However, on 36 minutes he gave United the lead with a looping header from Sims' cross. Just before the interval a quickly taken free-kick by Mills gave Milsom a shooting opportunity but he delayed too long and the danger was cleared. The second half began with City going close again to grabbing an equaliser, Crandon's shot forcing an excellent save out of keeper Dyson, but just after the hour Mangotsfield went further ahead when Seal's low cross was headed home by Claridge. To their credit City did continue to press for a way back into the match but too often their final ball was poor, although Allison should have done better when he was sent clear but Dyson half blocked his shot and Hallett completed the clearance. |
