Wimborne Town 5-2 Shortwood United 2

Jim Cunneen reports

SHORTWOOD travelled to Wimborne with a squad stripped to the bare bones due to injury and unavailability but for 68 minutes all was well.

Unfortunately the wheels fell off in the last 22 minutes, as Wimborne rattled in five goals and to make matters worse had Joe White senselessly sent off for an act of pure silliness.

He now faces a three match ban – starting at Wood’s FA Trophy tie at Paulton next Saturday.

Things started so well for Shortwood. After only three minutes Wood constructed a lovely move that culminated with Adam Price playing the ball low into the area and Sam Taylor stroking the ball home from six yards.

Joe White had a shot deflected for a corner as both sides played open attractive football.

Lovell hit the post with a header but largely Shortwood’s goal was not greatly pressured and George Burton looked assured and saved a low shot from Toby Homes.

With 36 minutes gone Price swung in a free kick from wide on the left and Sam Taylor rose highest to power home a header.

Wimborne came out for the second half obviously fired up and started to put Wood under increased pressure.

Burton saved well from Holmes again but the pressure was mounting and Wood were finding it harder and harder to break clear.

Finally with 68 minutes gone Wimborne pulled one back Burton made a superb save to deny Toby Holmes but Lovell was there to sweep home the rebound.

Just three minutes later Town were level when Holmes was given more than enough time and space to run through and slot home.

Burton then somehow kept a shot out from Lovell but there appeared to be only one side likely to win it.

Burbidge hit the post before Lovell drilled home a lot shot for 3-2 after 81 minutes.

In a rare foray forward home keeper Benfield gathered the ball and White senselessly trod on his leg and the red card issued .

Further goals after 88 from Holmes and Bayston with the last kick of the game were just icing on the cake for a Wimborne.