Wood come from behind
Wood 2 Cinders 1 - report by Harry Ash, pics by Brian Rossiter
Shortwood's second half once again proved the turning point, as they rallied to their first home win of the season. All of Wood’s eleven league points have been gained from a losing position so far this season. Paul Meredith said, “Tonight I couldn't be more pleased for everyone. With the performances we have had over the last three games following the heavy defeat to Salisbury, it shows the character and spirit is building.”
Andy Lewis came close to opening the scoring for the visitors with three minutes played, but his shot whistled past the far post after a deflected Hicks free kick. Jack Freeman looked lively for the hosts throughout the first half, and he capped a good run in the 32nd minute with a right-footed shot, but it drifted a yard or so wide. Seconds later, Ashley Davies forced Cinderford ‘keeper Clarke into a good save, with the ball bouncing just in front of him at the far post. Cinderford ensured a half time lead, rather fortunately, with thirty-five minutes gone; a Matt McDonald shot from the edge of the box deflected off Thwaite, and Pickering could only watch as the ball found the top corner.
Shortwood responded very well in the second half, and showed the resilience that they have displayed for the majority of games this season. Harry Burns fired over from twenty-five yards in the fifty-fourth minute, before he scored the equaliser a minute later; a low Davies cross was only partially cleared, and Burns showed great composure to chest the ball down before volleying into the top corner with his left foot. Joe White continued his impressive run of goal-scoring form since returning to the club (with his fourth in three matches), when his shot was deflected in off the post, after he had mis-hit his first attempt from a Price corner. That proved to be the winner nine minutes from time, despite Cinderford’s late pressure.
MOTM: Ryan Meredith
Team: Pickering, Marks, Thwaite, Meredith R, Ockwell, Davies, White, Burns H (Meredith L 80), Price A, Freeman, Morris (Hawes 72)
Attendance: 96
Star Player
Ryan MeredithKey moments
Highlights
As it happened
- Shortwood United
- Cinderford Town
- 0
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Harry Burns Goal 55:00'
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Ryan Thwaite Yellow Card 57:00'
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Adam Price Yellow Card 63:00'
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Jordan Morris Sub Off 72:00'
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Will Hawes Sub On 72:00'
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Joe White Goal 80:00'
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Harry Burns Sub Off 80:00'
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Liam Meredith Sub On 80:00'
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Liam Meredith Yellow Card 90:00'
Team selection
League round up
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Standings
| # | Team | Pl | Pts |
| 15. | Larkhall Athletic | 42 | 45 |
| 16. | Mangotsfield United | 42 | 41 |
| 17. | Shortwood United | 42 | 40 |
| 18. | North Leigh | 42 | 38 |
| 19. | Paulton Rovers | 42 | 37 |
| 20. | Slimbridge | 42 | 35 |
| 21. | Barnstaple Town | 42 | 29 |
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