Southern League South and West Division

Yate Town 3

Shortwood United 1

By Jim Cunneen

SHORTWOOD’S Southern League South West Division play-off hopes were dealt a blow at managerless Yate Town.

The Lodge Road outfit parted company with former Forest Green defender Rob Cousins and ex-QPR midfielder Michael Meaker, but the duo will see out their contracts as players with Yate Town this season.

Shortwood joint-manager Alex Sykes said: “We didn’t work hard enough, were out-battled and I am very disappointed. Sam Rawlings gets man-of-the-match today.”

Earlier, Yate were caught cold when their former defender Andy Lewis stabbed home inside the opening two minutes after good work from Nick Hancock and Lewis Sommers.

Wood should have added a second just a minute later after good work from Josh Egan and Marley Thomas, but Sommers pulled his shot wide.

However, Wood were disjointed, their passing was sloppy and they hardly mustered a worthwhile effort on target. They were also guilty of sloppy defensive work and were largely the cause of their own downfall.

Yate levelled after 15 minutes. A free- kick from the impressive James Cox was headed down by Rogers and James Harmer smashed the ball home from close range.

Yate had a very strong claim for a penalty waved away before they took the lead after 43 minutes. Shortwood were caught out by a long ball and Rogers ran on and shot acrossTom King and into the far corner.

Shortwood looked lively at the start of the second half but were undone by a third goal after 55 minutes. Wood carelessly lost the ball on the edge of the Yate area and a quick break and incisive passing left Tippins the space to cut in from the right and shoot past King.

Still Yate looked the more dangerous side but Shortwood flickered briefly in the 66th minute when Hancock’s free- kick caused problems and then moments later Reed brilliantly kept out a close range Sommers header.

SHORTWOOD: King, Rawlings, Humphreys, Lewis, Lee, Bennett, Thomas (Langworthy 55), Hancock, Sommers, Klein – Davies (Parrott 73), Egan (Price 61).

Sub not used: Hoskins.

Star Man: Sam Rawlings.

Attendance: 197.

Shortwood welcome Wimborne on Saturday, 3pm.