Resurgent Shortwood are singing in the rain (From Stroud News and Journal)

Resurgent Shortwood are singing in the rain

Shortwood United 1, Carterton Town 1 THE rain poured but Shortwood were left to sing in the rain as they turned in yet another swashbuckling performance to maintain their upward curve with a rousing point.

Second placed Carterton beaten just once this season -ironically to Shortwood are no mugs and the fact that United could and probably should have banked all three points is a testament to the burgeoning talent that lies in this current team.

The fear factor that saw the Nailsworth side get off to an edgy start to the season has evaporated with performances like these a top six finish for John Evans young fledglings are now in the realms of almost certain reality.

In a high tempo flowing match the Meadowbank side moved with a fighting fluency as they waded nonchalantly through the wet.

Matt Green again showed why he could play at a higher level with an all action 90 minutes of football and it was the young midfielder who came close to putting the Nailsworth sides nose ahead on 16 minutes.

Fran King produced nimble footwork for Matt Green to find Craig Cole who teed up Mike Green he then fed his younger sibling who drew breath as his curling strike flew inches wide.

United were in resplendent mood with the twin towers of Steve Walker and Ashley Thomas water-tight.

However, Carterton displayed their quality when a quick passing sequence saw Adam Thomas beaten by Threfall giving the visitors a 30th minute lead.

United's riposte was immediate as Cole finished smartly after a defensive slip to draw parity a minute later and register United's 50th goal of the season.

Adam Thomas again showed his immense talent as his feet blocked a strike from Baxter moments before the interval.

This smashing match was enlivened even further when Matt Haddock hit the post for United a minute after the re-start. Looking for victory Cole was culpable of not scoring after a weighted ball from Matt Blythe allowed the robust striker a sight of goal.

Nonetheless, Carterton remained a threat and should have scored with a free header that was comfortably gathered by Adam Thomas.

With six minutes to go Blythe set off on a mazy run. He started on the right wing and ghosted across the box miraculously he lofted over a pin point cross from the bye-line.

He found the leaping Matt Green whose header looked in however, a Carterton defender somehow got back to nod off the line.

With the spoils appearing to be shared Carterton almost snatched victory however Adam Thomas again showed great agility to beat away a venomous strike.

* ON Saturday United travel to league leaders North Leigh.