Flyers' tournament is a showcase of talent Women’s teams move to Mangotsfield

MANGOTSFIELD United will have two new women’s teams next season.

The former Oldland Abbotonians FC women’s teams have moved to Cossham Street to represent Mangotsfield, with the switch ratified by the FA.

The first team will maintain their position in the South West Women’s Regional Football league, while the reserves will be in the Gloucestershire County League.

The club has retained eight of its first team squad from last year, with an additional eight new signings as the Voice went to print, including strikers Debbie Small and Leonie Blanc from neighbouring Downend Flyers.

Small is one of the most experienced players in local women’s football, while Blanc offers the side a real physical presence up front.

The new Mangotsfield side has also signed four of last season's successful Downend Saints under-16 team: defenders Ellie Curtis, Emma Brown and Abbie Thomas, as well as midfielder Lola Hicks.

The women's side said their integration into Mangotsfield United had been "fantastic".

The club is looking for support in all areas, from players to sponsors, with all enquiries by email to slavis1@googlemail. com.

Mangotsfield's men's side is now well into its pre-season schedule, with a 2-1 win in its opening match away to Longwell Green and a 2-2 draw away to Southern League Division 1 South side Yate Town in the opening two games.

The final pre-season fixtures include a home game against another Southern League D1 South sides, Paulton Rovers, on July 25 at 7.30pm.

The Hellenic League campaign begins on Tuesday August 1 away to Fairford Town, with the first home fixture the following Tuesday, August 8, when Brimscombe & Thrupp are the visitors.

On August 12 the Mangos visit Highworth Town, followed by a home game against Thornbury Town on August 15.

Mangotsfield will be the hosts in both opening first team cup games.

On August 5 the Mangos entertain Royal Wootton Bassett Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup, with the winners travelling to Ascot United on August 19.

The team entertains Thornbury Town in the FA Vase First Qualifying Round on Saturday August 26, with the winners travelling to Bourton Rovers in the next round on September 23.

The Youth team (U18s) will host either Bradford Town or Bristol Manor Farm on Monday September 4 in the FA Youth Cup Preliminary round.

The club has confirmed that Tom Warren, who has had several spells with the Mangos in the past, is re-joining the club from Larkhall Athletic.

Dave Smale