By Jim Cunneen

Calor League Division One South and West

Shortwood United 3

Wimborne Town 0

SHORTWOOD missed out on a place in the play-offs despite a 3-0 final day victory over Wimborne Town.

With Shortwood 2-0 up at half-time and with news that Swindon Supermarine were losing at home to Bishop’s Cleeve, Wood were keeping everything crossed.

But Swindon battled back to win 5-3.

This has been the most incredible journey and Alex Sykes and John Evans can feel justifiably proud of their side’s achievements.

Sykes said: “We did all we could – we could no more.

“It was a good solid performance and we scored three good goals.”

Two- goal Duncan Culley, who took his final tally to 39 was named joint man-of-the- match with and James Coates.

Defender Coates has impressed all season and his performance Saturday typified his season.

Wood set off with a purpose and Ross Langworthy and Sam Avery both had early chances.

Wimborne are a good side and twice Kemble shot high over the bar when in good positions.

Shortwood’s first goal came in the 13th minute and it was beautiful to watch.

Langworthy hooked the ball down the line to midfielder Adam Price and his delightful ball saw Kevin Slack tee-up strike partner Culley to side-foot home.

Wood scored their second after 25 minutes – and again it was an excellent team goal.

Shortwood built from the back and a nice combination of passes between Coates, Langworthy and Slack gave hot-shot Culley the opportunity to shoot low into the corner from 20 yards.

Although there were no more goals in the first half the football never lost its verve.

Wimborne came out looking to get back into the game and only the intervention of left-back Matt Bennett with a terrific last-ditch tackle denied Stokoe before striker Slack wrapped the points up in the 53rd minute.

Culley played the ball to his fellow forward who wasted no time in cracking a left-foot shot past Harvell.

The only sour note then came with Oliver fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a challenge on Avery before keeper Tom King raced from his line to deny Gamble and the same player was then denied by a combination of King and Bennett.

SHORTWOOD: King, Avery, Bennett, Thomas, Coates, Richards, Price (Hancock 67), Parrott, Langworthy, Slack, Culley.

Subs not used: Cant, Sykes.

Star Men: Duncan Culley and James Coates.