Shortwood on song (From Stroud News and Journal)

Shortwood on song

Bishops Cleeve 0, Shortwood 1

WHEN these two sides met earlier in the season at Shortwood Cleeve ran out 5-0 winners so must have been confident of taking six points off their visitors.

However, this is now a different Shortwood in terms of confidence and self-belief.

Shortwood dominated for most of the first half with early chances falling to Rich Evans and Matt Green.

On 27 minutes following a keeper's clearance Nick Ackland's long range effort flew just past the upright and moments later Evans had a close range shot that was hit straight at the keeper.

On the half hour Craig Cole and Rich Evans linked up well but again the chance went begging.

On 35 minutes Shortwood defender John Embling was robbed of the ball inside his penalty area but keeper Martyn Pearce saved his blushes with a fine stop. Half-time 0-0.

Cleeve created some early chances in the second half but the Shortwood defence held firm.

On 60 minutes good work by Evans down the right found Matt Green in front of goal but he could not capitalise.

For full report see this week's News & Journal.