By Paul Webb

SHORTWOOD Reserves’ boss Des Meredith took the positives out of a 2-1 Hellenic Division One West home defeat to Carterton Town.

Meredith said: “We let ourselves down in the first half with some silly mistakes which we need to cut out. The second half was much better with some encouraging performances.”

Wood got off to a great start. Mills rattled the cross bar with a header. Ngoma had another good chance after Mills won the ball in midfield, but he dragged his shot wide.

Bayliss then tested Ashton Herbert with a stinging shot, however the young keeper was equal to it, saving low at the post.

Shortwood thought they had opened the scoring on 15 minutes. A sloppy back pass was picked up by Morgan, whose first time pass to Dan Martin was slotted home, before being ruled out by an offside flag.

On 33 minutes, and against the run of play, Shortwood gifted Carterton an opening goal. Herbert picked up Humphries’ back pass, the indirect free- kick wasn’t dealt with and McDonough scooped the ball high into the net from close range.

Minutes later Carterton scored another when again Wood conceded from a set piece. A diagonal free kick- was cut back from the bye line leaving McKay free at the far post to nod in from close range.

At the start of the second period Mills was pushed up into midfield making Wood more competitive in the centre of the park, and as the game progressed they started to get on top.

After several corners and plenty of pressure they finally got the goal their play deserved. Some good work down the left by Ngoma let in Hawes who turned inside the box, before picking his spot and finishing with aplomb.

Wood were now on top and went hunting for an equaliser, and they nearly pulled it off on 85 minutes. It was Hawes again with a half chance but his shot flashed the wrong side of the post.