IT SAYS much for the character of both teams that they even played in Saturday's deluge, but to achieve a competitive and sporting encounter out of the wind and mud was deserving of the highest praise.

North Gloucester League premier team Mushet and Coalway proved a little too strong for their neighbours who play a division below them, but afterwards Mushet secretary Jason Daw was full of praise for Sling.

"They made a really good fight of it. Conditions were really terrible but the game was very competitive and played in a good spirit. Referee Kevin Powell, from Ruardean Hill, was very good and allowed the game to flow as much as possible so it turned out to be quite a good game," he said.

Mushet and Coalway are hoping for a good run in the cup.

For the past two seasons they have reached the semi-finals and harbour high hopes of playing in the final this time. But they are also hoping for a good league run.

"Last season we were top of the league for some months. But I think it was probably a false position and we eventually finished third but we were very pleased with that as it was our first time in the premier league for eight seasons," said Daw.

"I don't think the league is quite so strong this time. Everyone has dropped a point or two and at present we are in mid table. But we have now recovered from the worst injury list we have ever had and if we can string together a run of wins I think we will be up with the leaders quite soon," he added.

Daw is enthusiastic about the prospects as new manger John Latham has welded together a strong squad.

"He has worked hard with the team and things are looking very good," he said.

In Saturday's cup battle Daw thought his team always held the edge. At one stage they were two goals up but Sling pulled one back before the interval and then scored again close to full time.

Centre forward Andy Williams netted twice for Mushet and the third goal was scored by veteran midfielder Shaun Wilkins.

"We had a number of other chances but credit has to go to the Sling goalkeeper Richard Newman who handled superbly in difficult conditions," he said.