Mangotsfield Utd 1, Evesham Utd 3

FROM the moment the recalled Shaun Pratt darted down the right wing and crossed for Richard Leadbeater to slide the ball into the net, Tuesday was going to be a magical night.

There were just 43 seconds on the watch when Mangotsfield were undone for a first time and the opening 11 minutes provided terrific entertainment with both sides going close.

Dave Dyson produced two superb stops to keep out shots from distance by Jay Powell and Andy Smith, while Pratt headed Mark Wolsey's centre wide.

David Seal was even closer at the opposite end after the striker had earlier brought Damien Beattie to his knees. Mark Summers should have levelled after three minutes but dragged his shot wide with only the Evesham keeper to beat.

The excitement couldn't continue and it didn't but it was still a match to savour especially for the away followers as their side produced a wholehearted display that deserved more than their slender interval advantage.

Phil Preedy brought a late save out of Dyson who was helpless to intervene when Wolsey's 43rd minute curler brushed an upright.

Leadbeater came within inches of doubling the visitors' lead after 49 minutes but an innocuous looking effort from Adam Sims four minutes levelled matters.

Dyson's outstretched fingertips again denied the magnificent Smith but the full back's 59th minute centre was powerfully met by the forehead of the highly impressive Leadbeater.

Three minutes later, skipper Steve Taylor, who led by example all evening, robbed a home midfielder. Pratt slipped the ball through to Steve Lutz who provided a clinical left foot finish.

Smith made a crucial tackle to deny Seal before Taylor struck a post after more determined play. Lutz should have done better with a 78th minute header, Pratt was denied by Dyson, while Leadbeater nodded another chance inches wide.

Seal blasted wildly over and Jay Powell produced another last-ditch tackle to thwart Jon Crowley as Mangotsfield continued to pose a threat up front. Wolsey almost had the final say but Dyson made another terrific stop when a fourth goal wouldn't have flattered the rampant Robins.

"That was our best display of the season and up with some from last season," said buoyant boss Phil Mullen.

"I told the lads that they would have to go out and grind out some results but that was different class and against a good side."

United's fans will be hoping for more of the same when Cinderford visit Common Road in Saturday. "It's pay back time," Mullen declared, referring back to his side's 4-0 defeat in the Forest of Dean earlier in the campaign. The game is being sponsored by EF (Evesham) Ltd, Boat Lane and the ball by Hills Nurseries, Wickhamford.