Shortwood United 0

Gloucester City 1

By Jim Cunneen

WITH captain Matt Bennett marrying sweetheart Vickie, an under-strength Shortwood United opened their pre-season matches with a narrow defeat against Conference North outfit Gloucester City.

Earlier, the Tigers included ex - Wood players Sam Avery, Marc Richards and Joe Parker.

Former Brimscombe keeper Duane Portlock, returning to the club, stepped in for the unavailable Tom King and made one excellent top.

The Nailsworth side also included former Lydney defender Niall Halford and Tytherington Rocks midfielder Nick Peer.

For the first 20 minutes Gloucester gained a foothold. However, Shortwood started to make inroads into the City defence with James Singh catching the eye.

Striker Joe White shot wide for the Wood, but City remained a threat with ex-Forest Green striker Mike Symons clipping the post from outside the box.

On the cusp of the break Portlock superbly gloved a dipping strike over.

Shortwood had a good opportunity after 51 minutes when former Bristol Rovers striker Joe White fizzed wide from a Jake Lee cross. City keeper Singh then touched over a Lee strike.

City’s winner arrived on 72 minutes with Ross Staley driving a skidding free - kick into the Shortwood net.

Shortwood had two good chances to level the game before the end . Liam Meredith headed a Nick Peer cross wide and Singh was just off target.

SHORTWOOD: Portlock, Rawlings, Humphreys, Lewis, Halford, Haddock, Price, Singh, Lee, White Cant, Parrott, Taylor, Meredith, Peer.