| Gadeside Rangers' involvement in the Watford Sunday League's premier cup competition came to an end with a single goal defeat to Mangans, a side two divisions below them. A mixture of poor defending and some shockingly bad refereeing decisions cost Gadeside who have now lost three games on the spin for the first time since forming in 2002. Mangans hotshot Alex Campana was the difference between the sides as Gadeside failed to cope with his direct approach on his way to another four goals. |
| On a sloped pitch with a swirling it was never going to be a classic match and Gadeside were on the backfoot from the word go. Campana opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a ferocious shot into the top corner. As the half wore on though, Gadeside began to get on top and went close when Matt Evans' header was hacked off the line and Adam Hills saw an effort deflected just wide. At the other end, a right wing cross was headed just wide with Tom Oliver struggling. The leveller came on 31 minutes when a stong run by Russ Popplewell saw his low cross superbly steered home by James Byron making his full debut. Dave Nelmes should have given Gadeside the lead but he shot wastefully wide with just the keeper to beat. |
| The second half started in disasterous fashion for Gadeside as Mangans scored two quick goals. First a low cross from the right cause the defence cold and Campana pounced to fire past Oliver and then referee Brownsell awarded the hosts a penalty after McIntosh had tripped a striker. However, the offence clearly took place outside area. Campana made no mistake from 12 yards. To their credit, Gadeside kept plugging away and a smart through ball by Tom Shurville saw Bryon powerfully finish past the keeper. The hosts were then reduced to 10 men after a player was dismissed for foul and abusive language. Russ Popplewell was twice the victim of some very poor refereeing, being denied a clear penalty and then being awarded a free kick despite being through on goal but then 10 men went further ahead on 68 minutes. Gadeside had constantly struggled to deal with the high balls and Campana - leading the line by himself - twisted in and out before hitting a powerful strike past Tom Oliver. |
| Sub Michael Kayembe had an immediate effect as he first shot wide when he should have done better but he made amends shortly after when turning home a low cross from Russ Popplewell. Gadeside pushed men forward searching for the equaliser but the hosts stood firm to cause an upset. Gadeside are in cup action again next week as they travel to Rickmansworth Town in the Intermediate Cup. |
| Tom Oliver, Ian Freeman (Chris Fitzpatrick), Ian McIntosh, Matt Evans, Jo Bennett, Daniel Brooks, James Byron, Tom Shurville, Russ Popplewell, Adam Hills (Michael Kayembe), Dave Nelmes |