Bashley 0

Shortwood Utd 0

By Jim Cunneen

CO-MANAGER Alex Sykes insists Shortwood are a ‘wounded animal’ after his shot-shy side failed to score for their third Southern League South and West Division game running at basement side Bashley.

Sykes said: “Shortwood are a wounded animal and we are so low in confidence.”

Bashley have shipped in 119 goals this season, but if had not been for a brilliant clearance off the line from Nick Hancock and a second half save from Tom King, Bashley might have recorded their second league win of the season.

Earlier, Shortwood could easily have scored three or four goals. Tim Haddock put the ball into the area and Lewis Sommers scuffed the ball wide. Josh Egan and Jake Lee missed early chances and keeper Maher did well to block Egan’s shot and even better to turn away Joe White’s follow up effort.

Slowly Bashley gained confidence and a shot from Moore rebounded off Lee straight into King’s arms. Maher touched a Sommers header onto the bar and then saved again from Maher and Shortwood should have had the game wrapped up by half-time.

The second half was a different story and for all the attacking players Shortwood had on display they could hardly muster a fluid move.

Moore forced King to fall on a header and then Pereira shot past King, but somehow Hancock managed to clear the ball off the line.

Lee had a shot deflected and sub Josh Klein – Davies shot wide.

In the closing minutes Makoni ran through and only a superb last-ditch tackle from Hancock denied him.

SHORTWOOD: King, Langworthy, Haddock, Lee, Bennett, Hancock, Egan, Parrott, Sommers (Klein – Davies 56), White (Thomas 59), Price.

Subs not used: Sykes.

Star Man: Nick Hancock.

Next: Fleet Town (H) Tuesday, 7.45pm.