Legend given fine send off (From Stroud News and Journal)

Legend given fine send off

County league u-18 final Shortwood United 2, Forest Green 3 JAMES SHERWOOD'S treble captured a third successive double for Darren Perrin's record breaking Forest Green Rovers youth side in a match dedicated to Rovers chairman Trevor Horsley.

"We are delighted and this result is dedicated to Trevor," said Perrin. 3He is a colossus to the youth team, an utter legend.

"The whole club is devastated by his departure as chairman: he has had a tough year but has always treated people well."

With the league won for a third successive season added to a third consecutive cup triumph Perrin certainly has the winning formula.

"They have proved me wrong and I'm proud of all of them," said Perrin. "I've written them off but sometimes that is my kidology with them," admitted Perrin.

While Horsley watched from the stand, Rovers fledglings got off to a difficult start, as did Nailsworth rivals Shortwood as both sides struggled on an unforgiving surface.

But it was Rovers who edged ahead after 13 minutes, when Ian Merrick's lofted pass embarrassed Andy Connett who misjudged the bounce leaving the long haired Sherwood to help the goal bound hit over the line.

Sherwood who picked up a knock after only two minutes was immense from start to finish.

Mark Sumpter's United rallied with Steve Dando firing in a wonder strike that beat the flying Jason Grubb to clip the cross bar.

In a moment of pure theatre United drew parity in fortuitous fashion.

Shaun Clarkson, under no apparent pressure, sliced his defensive 28th minute clearance from outside his own box with the ball looking more than an odds on certainty to go out for a corner.

Somehow with outrageous back spin the ball passed his own dismayed keeper for an outstanding own goal of sublime quality.

Shocked Rovers looked for a way back in and almost found it when skipper Lee Pritchard direct run and strike over brought Perrin's fledglings back to life.

However, it was United who took the lead seven minutes before the break.

Connett's torpedo like kick broke to Nick Powell who rifled a stunning strike from the edge of the box past the beaten Grubb. Pritchard again went close as his lob beat both Connett and the cross-bar.

None the less, Rovers found parity deep into first half stoppage time.

Pritchard's powerful scampering run and cross saw Connett and Gianni Diumo challenge for the same ball, leaving Sherwood to bravely nip in for his second.

United opened the second period in a far perkier fashion, with skipper Ben Powell and Chris Davis both going close.

But it was Rovers who should have made it three. Sherwood smelling a hat-trick picked up possession and saw his strike cleared off the line by the impressive Chris Preece.

Sherwood did not wait long for his hat-trick. The accolade arrived on 61 minutes.

James Eatough long throw was met by Pritchard for Sherwood to nod home.

Moments later he was inches away from his fourth after a cross from Luke Turvey.

United rallied, with Toby Ireland going close, but Rovers stood firm for yet another moment of glory.