Toolstation Western League

Shortwood United 0

Wellington 1

SHORTWOOD never hit the heights of last week’s performance at Odd Down, but will still feel they did enough to get a point against Wellington at Meadowbank on Saturday, writes Jim Cunneen.

It is a mark of Shortwood’s upturn in performances that they were hugely disappointed not to get anything from this game.

In truth, there were few clear cut chances and Adam Clark, in the Wood goal, was rarely troubled while Josh McLean, his opposite number made a remarkable save to keep his side in front. Wood will also point to two penalty appeals that were waved away. With Jacob Nowell away Callum Scrivens came in and the young Wood man turned in a fine performance and richly deserved his man-of-the-match award.

The only goal came barely two minutes in. Wellington won a throw in and Bown – Porter’s throw found Joe Chamberlain and he was afforded too much time to turn and shoot across Clark into the far corner.

The Wood of old may have folded, but this side shows resilience and Marsh was unfortunate to see his shot cleared after he had beaten the keeper. McLean did well to clear a cross from Bainbridge under pressure from Tryner and the game became a dour midfield battle.

After 48 minutes Scrivens sent over a fine free-kick and Tryner met the ball perfectly with his head only for McLean to keep the ball out at point blank range. When the ball from the resultant corner came over Bown – Porter was troubled by the bounce and blatantly pushed the ball behind with his hand but Wood’s appeals were waved away. Connor Bryant sent a header straight at Clark and Gardner fired just over.

Wood almost scored a fortunate leveller when McLean’s kick away rebounded off Marsh but the ball was headed off the line and Wood lost Bowles with a knock after a bad challenge. In the dying seconds Wood had another penalty appeal waved away when Tryner went down but again the appeals were ignored and Wellington could breathe a sigh of relief.

Shortwood: Clark, Bebbington, Scrivens Callum, Hoskins, Tryner, Langworthy, Bainbridge ( Gardner 60), Bowles (Basana 83), Kalnins, Mathews (Walker 58), Marsh

Bottom of the table Shortwood United welcome second from bottom Hengrove Athletic on Saturday, 3pm.