Shortwood United Reserves 3

Holyport 1

Flying Press Floodlit Cup

SHORTWOOD Res' boss Des Meredith was delighted after this comprehensive win over Hellenic Premier outfit Holyport at Meadowbank on Tuesday.

He said: “This was really pleasing – the attitude and effort from everyone involved was first-class. It was a great work out and terrific entertainment.”

Wood attacked right from the start and Thomas John was unlucky to see an early effort rebound off the post. John then directed another header straight at keeper Coker before Wood deservedly took the lead after 18 minutes. Alex Sykes put Ross Langworthy in and his fierce shot was deflected in by Craig Mills.

Langworthy then forced Coker into a fine save with a fierce drive before the excellent Marley Thomas doubled the score after 34 minutes through sheer persistence. He raced into the area and as Coker advanced chipped the ball over him. The danger appeared to be cleared as Jones mopped up but Thomas took the ball off him and lashed into the roof of the net.

The second half started the same way with Wood on top and it was 49 minutes before Holyport had a real worthwhile effort as Wood struggled to clear a header from West. After 55 minutes Langworthy unleashed a shot that was destined for the top corner but Benneyworth, coming in, headed over and Robinson and Mills got in each other’s way as a free-kick from John found them at the far post.

Still Wood poured forward and Langworthy was again unlucky as he smacked the post with a curling drive.

With 25 minutes to go, Hughes reduced the arrears with a snap-shot that flew in off the post – but this was to be the closest they would get and just five  minutes later the two- goal margin was restored. Mills raced through and shot into the bottom corner.

Thomas skipped through the defence and was robbed as he was about to fire home and in the last seconds, Wands shook the bar with a tremendous drive.

SHORTWOOD RES : Herbert, Meredith R, Humphreys, Benneyworth (Wands 66), Bath, Robinson, Sykes (Nowell 57), John (Peyton 71), Thomas M, Langworthy, Mills.