Evans' double strike brings FA Vase cheer (From Stroud News and Journal)

Evans' double strike brings FA Vase cheer

FA Vase Second Qualifying Round - Shortwood United 5, Wootton Bassett 1

OH how Shortwood United would have swapped this resounding result for the previous week's FA Cup loss.

Even before a ball had been kicked in anger Meadowbank had an air of doom and gloom surrounding its picturesque setting.

Talk centred on the one that got away and more importantly the £7,500 prize money that should have been nestling in the United bank vault.

But nonetheless this FA Vase game was going to prove vital to the outcome of a season that was beginning to nosedive in alarming fashion.

However, for over an hour it looked as if a day of frustration was again on the menu.

It had started brightly enough with United taking the lead on 34 minutes. Chris Phillips released Matt Blythe on the right and his weighted pass found Craig Cole who calmly kicked his shot home.

Despite this United gifted the visitors parity a minute before the interval.

A far from threatening ball looked to be swept away by Steve Walker.

However Ryan Gannaway, who seconds earlier had earned warm applause for a fingertip save, called for the ball leaving Wootton the chance to punish United's hesitancy.

How United's season changed after the break, although they left it late, with four goals in the last 15 minutes.

Rich Evans, who was the epitome of endeavour, gave United the lead on 72 minutes as he rose to glance in a header from a Blythe corner.

Nine minutes later United debut boy Franny King hit the goal of the day.

The former Bath University student swept home from the angle of the box after Cole conjured the opening.

Wootton were certainly not at the proverbial races as Evans bolted onto Gannaway's torpedo kick to find Mike Green to hit an 84th minute fourth.

Evans made it an emphatic 5-1 with his second of the day courtesy of a Cole assist with the last kick of the day.

The 5-1 victory has meant that Shortwood will progress to the first round proper of the FA Vase where they will play Calne Town at home.

This Saturday Shortwood United travel to Cadbury Heath in the GFA Trophy, kick-off 1.45pm.

United travel to Pegasus Juniors in the Hellenic League tonight, 7.30pm.

Andy Boot hit four goals for Shortwood Reserves in a 5-2 victory at Huntley. James Mooney hit the other for Ian Freebrey's side.

Shortwood United Under-18s drew 0-0 at home to Eagle Star South side on Sunday.

Mark Sumpter's side are in action this evening when they travel to Bishops Cleeve, kick-off 7.30pm.