STRIKER Duncan Culley returned from his trial at League Two outfit Cheltenham Town to bag four second half goals in an 11 goal pre-season thriller at Brimscombe on Monday night, writes Jim Cunneen.

Earlier, Shortwood welcomed back striker James Singh after his spell in Dubai.

Meanwhile, new Shortwood captain James Coates hobbled off with an ankle injury.

Brimscombe had the better of the early play and Mike Green’s side nosed ahead after 15 minutes- Ben Deakin fizzing beyond Tom King. Matt Bennett then cleared a header off the line to stop Brimscombe doubling the lead.

At the other end, Singh looked like he had never been away, and one turn and shot forced Adam Thomas to save with his feet. Shortwood were level on the half hour as good work from Humphreys and Singh set new striker Jake Lee up to shoot home low past Thomas.

Lee then had an effort deflected on to the post before Singh put Lee through on goal for his second. However, Brimscombe were level after 35 minutes when Ash Thomas bought down Pitt and Karl Nash slammed home the penalty.

Shortwood regained the lead after 37 minutes following another assist from Singh – this time Bennett scored from outside the box.

Shortwood made a raft of substitutions at half-time and Dan Martin, Thomas John and Niall Morgan all impressed, but it was the returning Culley who profited most from his 45 minutes of action.

After 56 minutes he won possession and went on a solo run culminating in a fierce drive that flew in for 4-2.

Thomas then parried another drive from the striker before Martin’s excellent run was ended with a trip and Culley put the penalty away.

Brimscombe pulled one back after 78 minutes with a spectacular strike from Jamie Walker.

With eight minutes to go Culley completed his hat- trick and made the score 6-3 with a fierce volley.

Brimscombe responded and made it 6-4 when Nash fired home from the spot. Still the goals avalanche not finished.

Adam Price made space down the flank and cut the ball back for Culley to fire home.