Southern League South, West Division

Barnstaple Town 1

Shortwood United 3

WILL HAWES pulled the strings as Shortwood came away with the points at Barnstaple, writes Jim Cunneen.

Hawes was on target for Wood and played apart in a goal for Nick Humphreys in a pleasing performance for Paul Meredith's side.

“It wasn’t pretty, but they did a great job to get the win," said Meredith.

"The schedule is punishing with so many games and the players have been tremendous.

"Wood defender Ben Prictor picked what looked like a nasty foot injury towards the end, but the resilience shown by the players is tremendous and is fully appreciated by everyone connected to the club."

The first-half was terrific fare – the second-half less so as the players understandably wilted in the heat and with the exertion of so many games. Wood looked comfortable in that second period and a late goal from Jordan Morris was the icing on the cake.

Wood were in front after eight minutes. A combination of Jack Freeman and man-of-the-match Hawes freed Nick Humphreys and his shot took a deflection on the way home.

Town were level within five minutes as Wood were caught out by a ball over the top and Hopcroft drove the ball in just under the bar.

The game was frenetic and Town hit the Wood woodwork twice while Town keeper Holmes saved from Taylor, Freeman and Hawes.

Wood regained the lead after 24 minutes. Freeman put Hawes in and although he was hauled back he managed to get his shot away. Holmes parried the shot but only to Sam Taylor who had the simplest of finishes.

Wood then dominated the rest of the half and a succession of crosses caused Barnstaple trouble and Nick Humphreys forced Holmes into a fine save with a powerful header.

The second-half was quieter in comparison and Wood dealt comfortably with any Barnstaple pressure and Harry Pickering was rarely troubled.

Holmes was by far the busier keeper and again saved from Hawes and Humphreys.

Finally in the last minute, Humphreys superb through ball saw Morris run free and his shot across the keeper gave Shortwood their third goal.

SHORTWOOD: Pickering, Meredith, Prictor, Lander, Ryan Thwaite, Rich Thwaite, Taylor, Freeman, Morris, Humphreys, Hawes