The Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South. West WOOD. Saturday 21 st October. vs Paulton. the

Transcription

1 The Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South. West WOOD the vs Paulton Saturday 21 st October 1

2 Quality For All Rover European Travel The Coach House Avening Road Nailsworth GL6 0BS Tel: UK & European Coach Tours, Theatre Trips, Day Excursions, Group Travel and Private Hire

3 Welcome to Shortwood Des meredith Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to players and staff from Paulton today, and congratulations on the FA Cup run you had this year. Today I am looking for a reaction from our very poor performance against Yate last Saturday where we showed nothing of our recent performances in terms of effort, attitude and commitment, very disappointing to watch. The players have been told what we expect of them, and if they can t get to the level we know they are capable of then we will look to bring others in that we think will!! 7 days notice of approach has been given to see if we can get 3 players in to swell the ranks and hopefully come Tuesday, we will see if we have been successful!!! It is disappointing to tell you that we are unlikely to see Levi Cox again this season due to his knee injury, the diagnosis is a ruptured acl which will need an operation,and rehab can take 9-12 months, he had started really well for us and I can tell you he is devastated at the moment but I m sure he will be doing all he can to get back to us as soon as he can, I m hoping he can get to us today to watch the game!!! I hope we give you something today which will give you some enjoyment and I thank you for the ongoing support we have been given. Cheers Des

4 THE TEAMS TODAY SHORTWOOD UNITED MANAGERS: Des Meredith Assistant Manager: Chris Burns PHYSIO: Liz Spratt Paulton MANAGER: John Rendell Assistant Manager: Paul Tovey Coach: Gary Powell COLOURS: Red and White COLOURS: Yellow and Blue Harry Pickering 1 Andrew Hannah Sonnie Low 2 Camen Harvey Nathan Marks 3 Josh Cann Ryan Meredith 4 Joe Chandler Ryan Thwaite 5 Sam Hedges Ashley Davies 6 Josh Ford Alex Kibble 7 Joe Hillard Jack Freeman 8 Dale Evans Liam Meredith 9 James Byrne Yesh Lomotey 10 Joe Guest Bakare Aliu 11 Mario Mateus Jordan Morris 12 Liam Monelle Joe White 14 Jack Ball Will Hawes 15 Josh Morgan Williams Joe Noakes 16 Sam Taylor 17 James Byrne 18 Joe Guest 19 Dave Sims 20 Andy Elcock Referee: Harry Moore Assistants: Alan Robinson and Luke Peacock Today s match sponsor is

5 Country Quality Meat HIGH CLASS BUTCHERS Take advantage of Nailsworth s free parking and pop into Country Quality Meats. Enjoy a succulent joint to roast, tasty English chops or how about some of their marvellous sausages? SUPPLIER OF SHORTWOOD S FAMED BEEF BURGERS AND PREFERRED BUTCHER TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS. Country Quality Meat is very easy to find in Old Market. It's next to the Co-op opposite Brutons of Nailsworth. Country Quality Meat HIGH CLASS BUTCHERS tel

6 Player profiles: Shortwood United Harry Pickering (Gk) Age 19 Harry has joined us on loan from Forest Green Rovers having been signed by them from Port Vale, Harry made several appearances on the bench for Vale and has good experience at this level having played for Kidsgrove Athletic on loan. Ben Prictor (Defender) Age 27 Ben joins us with plenty of experience at this level with 2 seasons at Cirencester in Southern Premier under his belt. Played in Hellenic premier last season whilst recovering from a knee injury, and now feels ready to step up a level once again. Ryan Thwaite (Defender)Age 23 Ryan rejoins the club after 2 seasons away, Good all round player that has settled back quickly, with the ability to play several positions he will be a good addition to the squad Joe Noakes (Defender) Age 19 Joe is currently at Hartbury College and joins us this season with a view to gaining good experience and forcing his way into being a regular. Attitude and commitment Very good. Alex Kibble (Midfield) Age 24 Alex has joined us after being asked to have a look with a view to stepping up levels and has adapted well, confident on the ball and fits in to how we want to play. Adam Price (Midfield) Club Captain Age 25 Adam is one of 3 who has remained at the club who finished in the squad from last season, he will be keen to enjoy and express himself more after being given a more definitive position and role. Ryan Meredith (Midfield) Age 26 Ryan has made his way through the development side into the senior squad this season. Equally comfortable in Defence as in midfield and will be a good addition Sam Ockwell Sam has joined us from Fairford this season, A centre half who can play on the floor and win headers will always be a good acquisition for most sides, will take time to settle in but sure he will be a good addition. Jordan Morris Jordan joins us from Forest Green on a season long loan, has pace as well as a good left foot and is versatile in a number of positions that will give us options throughout the season.

7 Player profiles: Shortwood United Nathan Marks (Midfield) Age 19 Nathan was in and out of the 1st team squad last season and completely committed to work his way back to being a more consistent figure. Good attitude and willing to learn which will give him every opportunity. Jack Freeman (Midfield) Age 18 Jack is another one who has stayed with the club from last seasons squad. Jack finished last season well and if he carries the form forward to this season he will be a good member of the squad. Todd Hathaway (Forward) Age 25 Todd is another one who finished last season at Wantage and is keen to prove himself and push for a position up top this season. Levi Cox (Forward ) Age 26 Levi joins us from Fairford having scored regularly at Hellenic level for a consistent number of years and is excited at trying himself at a higher level. Liam Meredith (Forward) Vice Captain Age 27 Liam is the final member of last seasons squad that has stayed with the club this year. He will be hoping to get a consistent run in a position that suits him best in the team this year where he can make an impact. Joe White Joe rejoins us from Paulton, he last played for a couple of seasons back and is looking forward to establish himself again will chip in with his fair share of goals which is always handy from a midfield player. Ashley Davies Joins us from Tuffley Rovers, versatile midfielder/ defender which will be a good addition to the squad with his strength and energy, will also contribute goals. Chris Burns (Assistant Manager /Coach ) Chris has had great playing experience at a professional level where he played at clubs such as Portsmouth, Swansea, Bournemouth and Northampton, as well as a more local level for Cheltenham, Forest Green and Gloucester City. His coaching experience abroad in Spain and at Cheltenham will be a big plus for the squad to learn from and will be a big asset to the club. Des Meredith (Manager) Des steps up to manage to 1st team this season after managing the reserves for 5 years and gaining back to back promotions from the Northern Senior league to where the Development side play now in Hellenic Division 1. Having played at the club for a long time previously Des knows the style of football the club like to play and watch, and together with Chris they will endeavour to get players to enjoy their football and build for the future.

8 The Mitre Delta - ready to make history again. Available now at mitre.com/delta The Legend Returns mitre.com/delta

9 PAULTON History Paulton Rovers were formed in 1890 by the village s vicar and a local businessman. The club joined the Western League in 1900 and the best ever position was runners up in 2003/4 securing promotion to the Southern League. They won the Somerset Senior Cup on twelve occasions, and the Somerset Senior League seven times, the last being in 1974, when they were re-admitted to the Western League after an absence of fourteen years. Their best attendance of 2,070 (deemed maximum capacity) was on 7 November 2009 reaching the FA Cup 1st Round for the first time. The match v Norwich City, was live on ITV1 and to over 30 other countries. Prior to then a crowd believed estimated at over 2,000, saw them take on Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup 5th qualifying round in After playing at several venues in the village, Rovers moved to Winterfield Road in In 1967, an old RAF hut served as the club house with a licenced bar. Soon plans were drawn mortgage to build bigger premises including skittle alley. The pitch was turned 90 degrees so the club house is built on the one penalty area s. The social club is now the premier venue for many social occasions within the rapidly expanding local community. New changing room block was built behind the main stand 1972, and the Club was further extended. On promotion to the Southern League the premises and stadium have been improved with the addition of another stand, and covered terracing, training facilities also include an allweather floodlit court used by Paulton Rovers FC netball teams. It was under the management team of Darren Perrin and Mike Kilgour that, Rovers secured promotion to the Southern League. Rovers finished just outside the play-offs in the following season and Darren left for Premier Division, Chippenham Town. In July 2005 Andy Jones stepped up from Reserve Manager. In 2006/7 the club finished runners up in Division 1 South & West Division One and narrowly missed out on the play offs the following year. His successful 5 year tenure was highlighted by reaching the 1st round of the FA Cup. Joner s decided to move on in 2010 and former club captain, Mark Harrington took charge but he stood down after just one season to be replaced by former player, Nick Bunyard. Paul Milsom was assistant to all 3 managers during this time. However the season ended with Rovers winning the Somerset Premier Cup for the first time with a 3-1 win over Bridgwater Town. After losing out in the play off the previous year in 2013/14 Rovers finished 4th spot and defeated Tiverton Town 3-1 in the semi final when down to 9 men, Bunny s men defied the odds to win the Play off Final at Merthyr Town in front of a crowd of 2,201 and thus gain promotion to Step 3 for the first time in their history. 2014/15 finished a more creditable 10th place in the Premier Division, during the close season Bunyard, resigned for personal reasons and the club appointed Richard Fey from Bridgwater Town, but after a disappointing start he resigned and former Bath City boss Tony Ricketts took charge at end of October. Unfortunately the club finished bottom and relegated back to Division 1 South and West. Despite stabilising things Ricketts left at the end of 2016/17 and former Rovers keeper John Rendell was appointed bringing former players Gary Powell and Paul Tovey as his assistants.

10 PAULTON PEN PICS John Rendell Manager John was a goalkeeper and started his career as a professional at Cardiff City, during his playing days he went on to play for Paulton Rovers where he was involved in the 2004 promotion season into the Southern League, he then gained promotion in similar fashion with Bitton and has also had spells with Cinderford Town, Mangotsfield and Yate Town. John re-joined the club as Manager in June Paul Tovey Assistant Manager Ex Bristol Rovers player who enjoyed spells with Sligo Rovers, Bath City, Paulton Rovers and Yate Town. An experienced campaigner who s footballing know-how will be very welcome around the club. Gary Powell Assistant Manager/ Coach Another ex Bristol Rovers graduate who went on to play for Bath City, Frome Town, Paulton Rovers and Yate Town. A methodical coach with a wealth of knowledge and professionalism. Amy Wheeler Sports Therapist Amy is in her third season with the club having obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honours in Sports Therapy from Coventry University. Andrew Hannah Goalkeeper Andrew is studying at Hartpury University, he has bags of potential and is really starting to showcase his talents on a consistent basis with Rovers Josh Ford Defender Josh is a powerful central defender is in his second spell at the club. He lives near Cheddar and began his career at Queens Park Rangers where he spent three years, one as a professional and captained their reserve side. He also captained local rivals, Frome Town and has had spells at Forest Green Rovers/ Yate Town and lately Larkhall Athletic. Joe Chandler Defender Joe returns to Winterfield Road having joined us midway through the 2015/16 season. He is vastly experienced having played previously for local rivals, Mangotsfield United and Yate Town. He has also played in the Toolstation Western League for Bitton and Oldland Abbotonions before joining us from Cadbury Heath. Joshua Cann Defender Joshua a young left sided defender, previously with Bristol Academy, Yate Town, Odd Down and Chipping Sodbury. Sam Hedges Defender Sam was snapped up when released by Bristol Rovers during the summer of 2017, a very promising defender with lots of potential to progress in the game. Elliot Gibbons Midfielder Elliot returns to Winterfield Road for a third spell having initially joined on dual registration from Bath City. Has spent the last two seasons with Mangotsfield United.

11 PAULTON PEN PICS continued James Byrne Midfielder James is an all action midfielder from Bishops Lydeard, and re-joined Rovers for a second spell during the 2016/17 campaign having begun the season at local rivals, Bridgwater Town. Andrew Elcock Midfielder Andrew hails from Cornwall and joined on dual registration from Bath City having spent a part of this season at Premier Division, Cirencester Town. Camen Harvey Midfielder Camen signed for the club during the summer 2017, the former Bristol Rovers youth has previously gained Southern League experience at Yate Town and Mangotsfield utd. The midfielder has bags of experience playing a big part at good clubs, and his game knowledge/professionalism and general attitude will be absolutely vital to what we are looking to achieve moving forward Dale Evans Midfielder Dale joins us from Mangotsfield Utd and was previously club captain for Taunton Town, and previous clubs include Newport County, Cwmbran Town, Cinderford and Yate Town. Joe Guest Midfielder Joe is a strong combative box to box midfielder formally with Yate Town Joe Hillard Midfielder A young talented performer previously with Mangotsfield Utd, has bags of potential and we hope will flourish following his summer move to Paulton Rovers. Sam Taylor Midfielder A creative midfielder who likes to get forward, Sam has lots of potential to progress in the game and has previously played for Shortwood in the Southern League. Dave Sims-Burgess Attacker Dave is a product of Bristol Academy, a quick direct winger with bags of potential and keen to keep improving his game at Southern League level. Mario Mateus Striker Mario previously played for Dorchester and Chippenham and has been signed up for the 2017/18 season. Mario is an attaching player who can play wide or up front. Jack Ball Striker Summer signing from Yate Town where Jack was the clubs top scorer during the 2016/17 season. 19 year old Jack who previously played at Yeovil Town has bags of potential and we hope will continue to improve his game scoring many more goals in Paulton colours

12 THE HISTORY OF SHORTWOOD UNITED Shortwood United Football Club was formed in 1900 and since then have played at 4 different grounds, Nailsworth Playing Field, Table Land, Wallow Green and finally at our current ground, Meadowbank. The club has been at Meadowbank since 1972, and includes an all weather training area opened by the late Ted Croker. Gradual improvements over the years culminated in a major enhancement in 2009 to meet ground grading criteria for any future promotions. League football was commenced in the Stroud League where following continued success during the 1970s promotion was gained to the Northern Senior and then the Gloucestershire County League.Promotion to the Hellenic league was achieved in 1981 only to be relegated in our first season but finishing runners up the following year ensured promotion straight back. In 1983 we won the Hellenic Division One Cup and GFA Trophy and in the following year won the Hellenic League. It was a further six years until success was realised again when the treble of League winners, GFA Trophy and Stroud Charity Cup was completed. The 2007/08 season started a resurgence in Shortwood s fortunes in finishing 5th in the league and winning the supplementary cup, defeating Ardley 4-2 in the final. The subsequent season pushed our success even further when following a good run in the FA Cup and semi finalists in the League Cup, we pressed the eventual Champions Hungerford to the final day of the season where we lost out on goal difference after amassing 99 pts and scoring 99 goals. Shortwood s fine form continued into the next season when they again finished second in the league to Almondsbury, and runners up in the GFA Trophy again to Almondsbury, had good FA Cup and Vase runs and reached the final of the Floodlit cup. Having lost the away leg 3-0 to Reading Town they produced one of the most exciting comebacks and entertaining matches ever seen at Meadowbank where the score remained at 0-0 till the 67th minute when the deadlock was broken and Shortwood ran out 5-0 winners (AET). Shortwood s league campaign in 2011 was a disappointment by their own high standards, but more silverware was added in the shape of the GFA Trophy after a 1-0 win over Tuffley Rovers in the final season, however, was pivotal in the Club s history! Not only did they reach the quarter final of the FA Vase, they also reached the final of the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup and the GFA Trophy Final.Most important was their league position where they finished 2nd by 1 point behind Oxford City Nomads. With Nomad s not applying for promotion, and with Shortwood filling all the relevant criteria, they were promoted to the Southern League for the first time in their history! The season was again a successful one. Following a disappointing early exit from the FA cup the club had a good run in the FA Trophy including a

13 magnificent away victory at premier league side Weymouth on the way. In their first season in the Southern League they finished a creditable eighth position. The season saw Shortwood progress further in the FA Cup than ever before! Early wins over Egham and Aylesbury put them up against Conference South outfit Dorchester and a 1-0 away win, and a further 1-0 win at Didcot put them into uncharted waters of the fourth qualifying round where they drew Conference side Aldershot at Meadowbank. A late, but deserved, equaliser gave them a replay and a heroic 2-1 win sparked wild celebrations. A home draw pitted Shortwood against League 1 side Port Vale in front of a record crowd of 1,247 plus a live television audience courtesy of BT Sport. Shortwood bowed out but with the plaudits their cup run earned ringing in their ears. The league season was also highly successful with a sixth placed finish, one point outside the play-off positions failed to reach the heights of the previous season with many players moving on to higher things but for most of the season a play-off place looked possible until a decline in form towards the end of the season resulted in an 11th place finish continued Shortwood s continued stability in the Southern League as they finished the season 7th in the table with 78 points and the end of the season saw the end of an era as joint Manager John Evans retired after 20 seasons involvement with Shortwood and the club movedforward with Alex Sykes now in sole charge Was a strange season with the Wood exiting the FA Cup and the FA Trophy at the first hurdle and showing inconsistent league form but despite that they managed to finish a more than respectable 9th. Paul Des Meredith took over the management reins at the start of season

14 Shortwood United vs Paulton Evo-Stik League Table Pl HW HD HL AW AD AL W D L F A Diff Pts Adj Taunton Town Bristol Manor Farm Salisbury Winchester City Evesham United Swindon Supermarine AFC Totton Didcot Town Bideford Wimborne Town Slimbridge Cinderford Town Larkhall Athletic North Leigh Shortwood United Kidlington Barnstaple Town Yate Town Cirencester Town Paulton Rovers Mangotsfield United Bishops Cleeve

15 FORTHCOMING FIXTURES First Team Tuesday 24th Oct 2017 Bishops Cleeve a SL S&W Saturday 28th Oct 2017 Frome Town h fa trophy Saturday 04th Nov 2017 Wimborne a SL S&W Tuesday 07th Nov 2017 Cinderford h lgue cup Saturday 11th Nov 2017 Kidlington h SL S&W Wednesday 15th Nov 2017 Larkhall a SL S&W Saturday 18th Nov 2017 AFC Totton h SL S&W * Coach available for supporters - see website Development Saturday 28th Oct 2017 Letcombe a SL S&W Saturday 04th Nov 2017 Cirencester Development h SL S&W Saturday 18th Nov 2017 Woodstock a SL S&W Keep in if you have twitter If you are not twitter minded then just send a text to with your name, and ADD ME and you will be added to the Wood Text Distribution list. Or look at the website:

16 Match Report SL Southern S&W 28League th January South, West 2017 division Wood fall apart AFC Totton Yate Town 2 3 Shortwood United 0 0 After a bright opening start Wood turned in a very poor performance to lose to an ordinary Yate side at Yate on Saturday. Prior to this game Wood were unbeaten away and Yate had failed to win a home league game. Paul Meredith said: We were poor today and our passing was shocking. We let ourselves down and failed to compete. I expect so much more from this team! The game hinged on the somewhat controversial dismissal of Adam Price on the hour but even then the meekness of Wood s surrender came as a surprise given the grit shown in their previous performances. Wood started brightly enough and forged a couple of chances for Ryan Meredith and Jordan Morris before Yate started to come back into the game but they posed little threat until Wood were masters of their own undoing after 37 minutes. Pickering s misplaced clearance went straight to Difford and with Wood pushing forward they were defensively thin on the ground and Leigh Gilchrist was left with a simple finish. Pickering redeemed himself with a fine safe to keep out a Difford shot from 20 yards and Brooks missed a simple chance to double the lead. After 61 minutes Price was the victim of a shocking tackle from behind and when the dust had settled the perpetrator was only shown a yellow card and Price was shown a straight red for alleged violent conduct. After that the wheels came off and Wood were a shadow of their previous selves. Morris hit their only real shot straight at keeper Rivers and it was no surprise when Ebbutt scored Yate s second heading home from close range after 80 minutes. With 5 minutes to go Wood were cut to ribbons and Brooks had all the time and space he needed to pick his spot for the third. It could have been even worse as Yate squandered more chances before the end and Meredith will have to work on his side before they face Paulton at home next Saturday and travel to a pointless Bishops Cleeve the following Tuesday. Team: Pickering, Low Davies 67), Prictor, Meredith R, Thwaite, Kibble, Price, Freeman (Aliu 71), Burns (Meredith L 67), White, Morris

17 OFFICE BASED INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING Recruitment House 4 Bridge Street, Nailsworth, Stroud, GLOS, GL6 0AA YOUR LOCAL RECRUITMENT SPECIALISTS jobs@ess-emp.co.uk JOB SEARCH AVAILABLE ONLINE

18 BigFreeBet.com is the proud sponsor of the 2017/18 Southern League Challenge Cup For latest football insights and offers, visit: #BigFreeBetCup

19 Match Report SL S&W FA Trophy 28 th preliminary January round 2017 Frome up next AFC Totton Shortwood 2 Shortwood United 1 Didcot United Town 0 0 Shortwood came through a difficult tie in the FA Trophy at Meadowbank on Saturday and will now be at home to Southern League Premier outfit Frome Town on the 28th October. Paul Meredith said, I m very pleased with the way we went about our work today, everyone stuck to the plan and even when we had to defend for the last fifteen minutes we showed that we can do the dirty side of things too. Good all round team performance. Jack Freeman gave Shortwood the lead after four minutes, breaking the pattern of a second half comeback from the Wood. Jordan Morris cross from the left met the oncoming Freeman, who powered a header into the top corner from around ten yards out. A largely uneventful forty orso minutes followed, only punctuated by a fierce shot from Adam Price about forty yards from goal, but it whistled over the bar. Didcot created their first real opening in the second minute of added time, with Sam Elkins heading a Seth Humphries corner seemingly into the far corner, but Freeman was on hand to clear off the line. The second half was dominated by the away side, who pushed for an equaliser without ever really creating the quality of chance that they would have hoped for. Seth Humphries unluckily hit the inside of the post with a close-range free kick on fifty minutes, and Humphries was denied once more when his header was cleared off the line by Ryan Thwaite, following a goal-mouth scramble with seventy-five minutes played. There were appeals from the home fans for a red card six minutes previously, and Cameron McNeill was perhaps lucky to escape with a yellow having gone in from behind on a Shortwood player. That was one of five bookings during what was a relatively ill-tempered second period. Didcot s final chance came in the closing stages, this time Sam Barder striking a free kick perilously close to, but wide of, the right-hand post. MOTM: Ryan Thwaite Pickering, Low, Prictor, Meredith R, Thwaite, Kibble, Price, Freeman (Aliu 89), Morris, Burns (Meredith L 69), White (Lomotey 82)

20 John Whacker Porter Shortwood United FC are mourning the loss of the larger than life figure of Whacker Porter. This was the name he went by wherever he travelled and whatever the occasion. Whacker was Shortwood through and through having been a player and captain as well as manager. He also played for FGR. Two people who remember him well are Pete Webb, our previous chairman and Bill Reay our current chairman. Pete played with Whacker for many years and said Whacker would never accept second best. You played to win and he never let you forget that. This story stands out as Bill described that many years ago when he was a youngster and playing in a cup match for FGR against Shortwood, he played against Whacker for the first and only time, as he was nearing the end of his playing days. Whacker was never blessed with great speed and as he easily glided past him he found out exactly how he earned the name Whacker as he caught my trailing leg and took my left boot clean off. Unfortunately for Whacker, Bill continued on and scored with his unbooted foot and the crowd cheered away adoringly. Or so he thought. Bill was the one who turned out to be the object of their amusement as he turned to find that Whacker, on seeing that Bill had scored, had thrown his boot clean over the stands and virtually out of the ground! This was a story that they both continued to enjoy and have a laugh about for many, many years. Whacker s funeral will be held on Tuesday October 24th at St George s Church Nailsworth at 2.30pm followed by a gathering of family and friends at Egypt Mill.

21 The Ragged Cot The Ragged Cot is a beautiful boutique country inn with a history spanning over three hundred years with a superb selection of real ales, premium lagers & top-quality wines, fantastic food, friendly staff and a relaxed environment. The Ragged Cot is the place to be at any time of the year with sundrenched gardens, bar, dining room, nine boutique en-suite bedrooms and now with the addition of a superb coffee lounge & function space. So whether you are looking for a romantic weekend break, family meal, private function, quick pint or perhaps a relaxed afternoon coffee & sandwich, we look forward to welcoming you to the Ragged Cot soon! Food served all day Monday Sunday *Corporate rates available* Cirencester Road, Minchinhampton, GL6 8PE, Tel: , info@theraggedcot.co.uk

22 Raffles Fine Wines INDEPENDENT WINE MERCHANTS SINCE 1978 We are open Mon to Fri 10am-6pm & Sat 9am-4pm. For a global selec on of fine wines from smaller growers visit us to discuss and taste. No need to buy 6 bo les here, but discounts available on larger orders. We also offer free glass loan and sale or return facili es for par es and weddings. The Old Fire Sta on, Old Market, Nailsworth GL6 ODU Tel: info@raffles-wine.com Request Your Free Catalogue Call or visit

23 We ve SL League S&W Division 2 nd One January South and West Dec Met Superb Wood! Before Shortwood United 1 Paulton Rovers 3 Paulton Rovers 0 Shortwood United 3 That performance was up there with Aldershot! Easily our best league performance of the season everyone was terrific today but if I had to single anyone out it would be Adam Mann and Marc Richards for man of the match That was joint manager John Evans comment straight after this excellent win at Paulton on Boxing Day. This was a Shortwood squad reduced to the bare bones and they were up against a Paulton side that were sitting 3rd in the division and were also the leagues highest goal scorers! The Wood restricted them to two shots on target in the whole 90 minutes and shots from long range as they chased, harried, and closed down at every opportunity. Adam Mann scored twice and Marc Richards scored his first for the club and the only sour note was the late sending off of Matt Bennett for a reckless challenge. Referee, Mr Wade, called that correctly and in fact had an excellent game. Paulton started brightly and after 6 minutes they broke at speed and Mike Perrott found himself clear. He shot hard and low but Tom King dived and not only saved the shot but held it. For all their possession Paulton were being restricted and Shortwood began to look increasingly dangerous. Parrott shot straight at Phillips and Langworthy lost control at the vital moment when through. Pritchett had a good chance with a header but could not direct it before Shortwood took the lead after 34 minutes. Parrott floated a free kick into the area and Marc Richards run across the area was not picked up. His header was perfect as it went over the keeper and under the bar. James Coates made a great defensive header to clear a possible threat but Wood finished the half on top and had a couple of half chances to extend their - lead. Shortwood expected to Paulton to tear into them in the second half but it never happened and it was the Wood who carried on where they left off. Phillips did well to cut out a low cross from Bennett and the referee waved away Shortwood s appeals when Parrott went down under a challenge in the box. Shortwood doubled their lead after 59 minutes. Nick Hancock s long ball caught Paulton s defence square and Adam Mann raced through. Although Phillips blocked his first shot Mann continued his run and knocked the ball into the empty net. King did well to get his body behind an awkward bouncing shot before Shortwood scored their third after 67 minutes. This time it was Sam Avery who provided the perfect through ball - and again Mann raced clear, took the ball round Phillips and pushed the ball home. Still Shortwood pushed forward but could not add to their scoreline and even the late dismissal of Bennett could not detract from an outstanding Shortwood performance that racked up their 5th successive win! Team: King, Avery, Brown, Pritchett, Coates, Richards, Hancock, Parrott, Mann, Langworthy (Thomas 73), Bennett: Subs not used: Sykes

24

25 The winning team for all your accounting and taxation needs Free initial consultation PROUD SPONSORS OF SHORTWOOD UNITED FC HERE'S TO SUCCESS IN THE SEASON Telephone: Fax: Website: Directors: Ian Sutton * Tim Dipple * Julian Owens * Gavin Hollywell * 701 Stonehouse Park, Sperry Way, Stonehouse Glos GL10 3UT Clubhouse and Social: (01453) shortwoodfc@btinternet.com Clubhouse and Football Social: (01453) Secretary Mark Webb shortwoodfc@btinternet.com Treasurer Rebecca Benneyworth Football Secretary Mark Webb shortwoodfc@btinternet.com Press Treasurer Officer Paul Jim Benneyworth Cunneen jimcunneen1951@btinternet.com shortwoodfc@btinternet.com Press Officer Football Jim Club Cunneen Website jimcunneen1951@btinternet.com Football Meadowbank, Club Website Shortwood, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire GL6 0SJ All photographs Meadowbank, in this programme, Shortwood, unless Nailsworth, otherwise stated, Gloucestershire are courtesy GL6 of Brian 0SJ Rossiter Programme editors: Stuart Richards and Roger Grant Programme editor: ( Paul shortwoodutdprogramme@gmail.com) Benneyworth ( shortwoodfc@btinternet.com) Match photographs courtesy of Brian Rossiter and match reports by Jim Cunneen Printed by L E O PA R D P R E S S Tel: