Sholing 3

Shortwood United 3

By Jim Cunneen

PLUCKY Shortwood United came from two goals down to lead at Sholing before being denied the three points at the death to make it three consecutive Southern League South and West Division draws on the spin.

Join manager John Evans cut a frustrated figure. He said:“I was disappointed at half- time, but we showed good spirit and got at them in the second half, but poor defensive work again cost us.”

New signing Jake Parrott returned to the Shortwood fold and it was like he had never been away.

Sholing scored with their first chance after seven minutes when Cutbertson’s header was tipped onto the bar by Tom King and Dan Mason, following in, headed home.

Although Wood pressed Sholing always looked dangerous on the break and appeared unlucky not to get a penalty after 23 minutes for hand ball by Jake Lee. They were given a spot- kick two minutes later when captain Matt Bennett tackled Sawyer and the ball struck his hand while he was on the floor – Barry Mason slammed home the penalty.

Ross Langworthy had a shot saved by Webber’s feet, but Sholing created the better chances before the break. Jake Lee was the victim of an unpunished very heavy and late challenge before the break and co-manager Alex Sykes was booked for his protest.

The second half saw a complete reversal of fortunes as Shortwood tore into the hosts. Parrott was inches wide with a free-kick and Marley Thomas saw an effort just go wide before two goals in a minute saw Wood level. After 51 minutes good work from Joe White and Lewis Sommers set up the impressive Adam Price, who reduced the arrears and then Thomas made a great run and teed-up White for a neat finish.

Wood’s comeback was complete on 70 minutes. Lee fed the ball in low and Sommers held off his marker, turned, and shot across Webber into the corner. Sub Josh Klein – Davies forced Webber into a fine low save as Wood looked to wrap up the game before Sholing came back at them in the last 10 minutes.

With five minutes to go, Wood conceded a free- kick and confusion left Byron the easiest of chances to level.

SHORTWOOD: King, Rawlings (White 45), Humphreys, Bennett, Lee, Hancock, Thomas, Parrott (Egan 74), Langworthy, Sommers (Klein – Davies 76), Price.

Subs not used: Sykes, Lawrence - Forbes.

Star Man: Adam Price.