Mangotsfield United 1-3 Rugby Town

Southern League Premier Division

Saturday, 17th December 2005

Attendance | 300

Valley chalked up a second consecutive away victory with an impressive performance against promotion-hopefuls Mangotsfield United at Cossham Street.

Rugby, and in particular striker David Stone, turned on the style as they dominating proceedings against their higher positioned hosts.

Stone, who last week signed a new contract with the club, caused all sorts of problems throughout the match and it was his run and cross that led to the first goal.  Stone broke down the left and when his cross was only parried out by Mangoes goalkeeper Danny Greaves, Delroy Gordon was on hand at the far post the slot home his sixth goal of the season.

Just before this opener, Mangotsfield had two chances to score, with new signing Martin Paul and Ross Casey both going close with headers.

The home side came close to equalising and the crowd must have thought they had got it when Rob Cousins' low shot beat goalkeeper Farhad Afandiyev, but Tim Wooding was on hand to clear the effort off the line.

The hosts had a chance just after the break as they made an encouraging start to the second half, but Gary Warren could not convert Rob Claridge's lay-off.

Hard-working Rugby, inspired by midfielders Matt Green, Chris Tullin and Willis Francis, pressed all over the park and got their reward with ten minutes remaining as the elusive Stone showed his power, pace and agility with a run down the right from the half-way line, skipping past several defenders before cutting the ball back perfectly for the on-running Chris Tullin who tucked the ball home on the volley.

Provider turned goalscorer with just minutes on the clock as Rugby compounded Mangotsfield's misery.  Another fantastic individual effort from David Stone culminated in the 20-year-old weaving past three defenders and chipping the ball superbly over the goalkeeper and into the net.

After going three up, Rugby relaxed and the home side fashioned a few chances, with Claridge and substitute James Zabek forcing good saves from Afandiyev, before the former Azerbaijan Under 21 goalkeeper was finally beaten by a long range pile-driver from Ross Casey.