Classy Cherry Red Records Hellenic League Challenge Cup Final. (From Stroud News and Journal)

Classy Cherry Red Records Hellenic League Challenge Cup Final.

Cherry Red Records Hellenic League Challenge Cup Final. Shortwood United 1, Yate Town 3.

THE gulf in class was almost tangible as Yate Town already basking in promotion to the Dr Martens League made easy work of an at times ragged Shortwood side to lift the Challenge cup at GFA headquarters, Almondsbury .

In mitigation United huffed and puffed but were no real threat to a cohesive looking Town side cleverly prompted by the outstanding Ross Casey, with the former Cheltenham

Town midfielder at the hub of everything positive from the South Gloucestershire side. The scene was set as early as the fourth minute as Town began at a frightening pace.

And it should have seen Town off to a flying start but Lee Barlass was proliferate in his finishing as he nodded wide from a perceptive knock from Dave Elsey once of Welsh under 21 fame.

Despite United's ragged opening it was the Nailsworth side that struck first.

The dependable Steve Walker arrowed in a free-kick to Richard Evans who linked with strike partner Craig Cole who saw Evans take up the mantle to fizz in a low cross leaving an unmarked Mike Green to plant a diving header past Tony Court. 1-0 to United.

Town quickly resumed normal service with Paul Metheringham bursting through only to see his finishing failing to match his approach play as he screwed his shot wide with only Adam Thomas to beat.

The Bluebells smelled parity as they peppered the United rearguard with increasing regularity.

And with a minute of the first half remaining parity was achieved in somewhat fortutuios circumstances.

That man Metheringham beat both Matt Williford and Adam Thomas to the ball only to see his strike cleared off the line by Thomas' twin sibling Ashley.

Incredibly the ball was then floated in by David Bright and with Thomas electing to punch the ball ran to Casey his crisp strike was parried by Thomas leaving Bright to sparkle and lash the free-ball home.

United rallied after the interval and held the lions share of possession and at times had Town on the back foot.

It was hearts in the mouth stuff on the hour.

From a Mike Green corner Williford deft back header was met by Evans who volleyed over from inside the box.

Yate bit back as United were saved when Thomas blocked Metheringhams strike and with Thomas on the floor Walker was on hand to clear off the line from a goal bound Gary Powell strike.Tempers became frayed with Elsey, Metheringham, and Williford all booked.

With ten minutes remaining Yate upped the tempo and killed United off with two goals in the final ten minutes.

Elsey nosed Yate ahead as his clean strike from the edge of the box gave Thomas no chance.

With four minutes remaining the cup was won.

Walker and Ashley Thomas challenged for the same ball leaving the leggy Leon Simpson to break into the box and despite the desperate attempts of John Embling it was left to Kevin Coles to seal victory with a comfortable tap in.

Shortwood United: Adam Thomas, Matt Green, J. Embling, Ashley Thomas, S.Walker,M.Williford, L.Driver-Dickerson, Mike Green, R.Evans, C.Cole, Subs: M. Blythe, F. King, C.Davis

Yate Town: T. Court, A. Neal, N.Long, L.Barlass, D. Hobbs, D.Elsey, G. Powell, R. Casey, P.Metheringham, K.Coles, D. Bright. Subs: L.Simpson, P. Dempsey, T. Bennett. Referee C. Banks (Oxford) Attendance: 485