Soccer Kits Plus Supplementary Cup Final
6:28pm Monday 5th May 2008
MATT Green's last-gasp strike sealed Shortwood's 4-2 cup final victory in a thriller against Ardley at Fairford's Cinder Lane on Saturday, writes Jim Cunneen.
Green, who has recently returned from Australia, popped up with the crucial fourth on 90 minutes after holders Ardley had pulled the game back to 3-2.
Earlier, Wood made the worst possible start when they went a goal behind after 79 seconds. Luke Bennyworth pushed Whiffen down and Mason drove home the penalty.
However, Wood were denied a penalty two minutes later as Chris Davis was brought down as he chased a Martyn Pearce clearance but the referee only awarded a corner.
Nonetheless John Cant's corner was met by a powerful Will Steadman header that flew in for the equaliser.
The game swung from end to end with Wood playing some lovely approach football and Ardley chasing and fighting for every ball.
Both sides created chances with Davis and Andy Hoskins playing well off each other.
Just before half-time Steadman broke up an attack and powered the ball forward for Hoskins to flick the ball on to Davis. Although the keeper drove him wide Davis managed to push the ball home to give Wood the lead.
The second half carried on in much the same vein as both sides swapped chances. Davis chipped a fraction high, Carrick headed just over for Ardley. Steadman just cleared the bar with a half volley and Mason volleyed over from a good position.
Wood appeared to wrap the game up after 67 minutes when a corner was only half cleared and James Coates controlled the ball before sending a rasping drive beyond Dixon into the bottom corner.
With 84 minutes gone Ardley were suddenly back in it. Gordon nipped in to head beyond Pearce.
However, in the last minute Wood broke away. Ardley were committed up field and Coates measured his pass perfectly to Jody Bevan who could have shot but saw Matt Green unmarked for a neat finish.
Delighted Shortwood boss John Evans said: " I thought we were a little fortunate to be 2-1 up at half-time but overall I thought we deserved it.
"We played well in the second half especially. When they scored their second nerves set in and it was a relief to see Matt Green stick the final goal in.
"The whole team did well but Will Steadman and Ross Casey were exceptional and Chris Davis was a constant thorn in their side."
Shortwood : Pearce, Bennyworth (Cornwall 47), Bennett, Steadman, Mammola, Coates, Mike Green, Casey, Davis, Hoskins (Bevan 78), Cant (Matt Green 82).