Uniteds young guns ready for Henley test (From Stroud News and Journal)

Uniteds young guns ready for Henley test

SHORTWOOD Uniteds young fledglings will hope to sink Henley Town when the London based side travel to Nailsworth on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.

United opened their Hellenic Premier Division season last Saturday in confident fashion securing a 2-2 draw with Hook Norton at sun kissed Meadowbank.

Despite their tender years United impressed to leave acting manager Ryan Gannaway beaming with pride.

He said: It was a good performance and the boys acquitted themselves well.

They worked hard in hot conditions and this was a good point to start the season with, said Gannaway.

Hook Norton only had two shots on target and the only disappointing thing was we didnt win enough second ball.

I was delighted with our set pieces and particularly with the one that saw Matt Green hit the post as this was a set play that I brought with me from my time at Cheltenham Town.

The Nailsworth outfit dished out starts to teenagers Chris Phillips, James Mooney, Chris Greenough and Ioin Szweskowski, along with debuts for Mark King and Matt Blythe.

I wouldnt really want to single anyone out but Chris Phillips and Steve Walker did well as did Chris Greenough, added Gannaway.

United had got off to the sweetest of starts when Matt Green hooked in the opener on nine minutes after being fed by fellow sibling Mike Green.

However, in the blink of an eye Norton drew parity.

John Embling in a desperate attempt to cut out a strike saw the ball hit his outstretched boot and beat Gannaway.

The goal frenzy continued.

Seven minutes later a torpedo kick from Gannaway saw Rich Evans pressurise Terry Muckleberg with the latter heading past his own keeper for the second own goal of the match.

The visitors drew parity after the break leaving both sides to share the spoils.

Gannaway will hand the reins back to former Forest Green Rovers boss John Evans this weekend safe in the knowledge that the young guns are finding their feet.

I have enjoyed the role but it is hard work managing and playing and it will be good to have John back at the helm.

United have had planning permission granted to build new changing rooms, office and physio room at their Meadowbank headquarters.

Head of Finance Hugh Robinson is now looking at various grant options into the funding of this project.

Plans are in place to take down the old Harry Webb stand which will be replaced by a 200 hundred covered seated stand and this will start in February.

Things are moving along well and work should commence during the season , revealed Robinson.