SUPERMARINE boss Ray Baverstock was handed the perfect 40th birthday present as his troops overturned a 2-0 half-time deficit to defeat new-look Mang-otsfield 3-2.

Baverstock returned from a celebratory trip to France yesterday to find his side had moved up to sixth in the Western Division after their comeback heroics.

He left his side in the hands of potential new assistant Mark Boyland and the caretaker manager must have delivered an inspirational interval team talk.

Mangotsfield are the surprise strugglers this season but were boosted by the appointment of new manager Martyn Grimshaw.

His players were eager to impress and Tom King was given an early test by Daine O'Connor before David Seal scooped the ball over from eight yards.

Marine's first opportunity arrived on 20 minutes when Justin Miller headed Simon Futcher's cross wide.

Miller was then denied by keeper Tony Malessa before Jack Pitcher poked home the opener five minutes before the interval.

Pitcher doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, slotting in an O'Connor cross.

But Marine roared back after the break and Dave Toomey soon reduced arrears, side footing in from to yards.

The hosts were level on the hour as Barrie Matthews forced the ball home from eight yards following a left-wing free-kick.

The winner arrived 15 minutes from time when Danny Haines fouled Miller in the area and Toomey netted from the spot.

Caretaker boss Boyland is set for further discussions about a permanent role as Baverstock's assistant this week.

The reaction he coaxed from the players would not have done his chances of landing the post any harm.

Said Boyland: "Mangotsfield had a new manager and they were obviously up for the game.

"They've gone in 2-0 up but we've had a good talk at half-time and I was chuffed by the way the lads came back."