Toolstation Western League

Shortwood United 2

Bitton 4

This was one of Shortwood’s best performances of the season and all the signs are there that they will soon start picking up points, writes Jim Cunneen.

Wood have added a few experienced players to the young guns and the young players are beginning to grow with every game. The fact that when the final whistle went several of them sunk to their knees shows the disappointment at the result and the total commitment they showed against high-flying Bitton. It was only a fourth goal deep into added time that settled this enthralling game and Wood could, and possibly should, have grabbed a point!

The game was fractious at times and Bitton picked up several bookings in the second half as the fought to preserve their lead.

As expected Bitton had all the early play and had early chances but Wood looked dangerous when they got forward and Walker and Ali both shot narrowly wide. Ali forced keeper Worton into a terrific save as he tipped the ball onto the bar from a 25 yard curler.

Bitton took the lead after 25 minutes, Ingram heading home a corner but Wood responded and Tom Cole forced Worton into a full-length save with a direct free-kick. Both sides played open football and there were chances a plenty for both sides but the closest was when Griffiths smacked the Wood post on the stroke of half-time.

Bitton doubled their lead after 50 minutes. Wood were sloppy and failed to clear giving Bament a simple finish. Wood poured forward and Mathews went inches wide after a great run. With 63 minutes gone Levi Mathews and Joey Tustain played a great one-two and although Worton saved Mathews’ first effort he calmly knocked home the rebound. Wood were caught on the break just five minutes later and Diallo knocked home McLennan’s low cross to restore the two goal advantage.

Still Wood refused to lie down, and when Worton pulled Amos down on the edge of the area, Tustain fired the penalty home. With 10 minutes to go Ali raced clear but Worton guessed which way he would shoot and managed to parry. Wood threw everything at Bitton, but deep into injury time they broke. Clark parried a shot and Best had the simple tap in.

Team: Clark, Nowell (Benchikh) , Antell, Tryner, Bessant, Gardner, Tom Cole, Callum Scrivens (Mathews 50), Walker (Amos 67), Tustain