Southern League South and West Division

Shortwood United 4

Wimborne Town 1

SHORTWOOD joint-manager John Evans is hanging up his tracksuit at the end of the season but many more performances like this will have the veteran boss contemplating a rethink.

He hailed a ‘team’ performance as his weakened side got off to a winning start.

Jake Lee bagged a brace for the Nailsworth side who also saw Tim Haddock and Adam Price on target.

Evans said: “This was a real team performance and Jake Lee was outstanding.”

Shortwood took the lead after 20 minutes. James Singh crossed and Joe White crossed past keeper Harvell for Lee to head into an empty net.

The second goal, after 31 minutes, was a gem. Shortwood worked the ball forward at speed and the one - touch passing in the area between White, Lee and Price finished with Price knocking the ball into the corner from close range.

However, It took a fine save from Shortwood goalkeeper Tom King to preserve the two - goal lead.

Shortwood scored a third goal after 72 minutes. Jake Parrott delivered a curling free- kick and Haddock raced in to bury a stunning header across Harvell.

Town pulled a goal back with nine minutes to go as Preston rattled a fine shot off the underside of the bar.

Wood were not finished and in the 86th minute Lee scored his second. Despite the close attention of three Wimborne players, he managed to thread the ball home past the advancing Harvell.

SHORTWOOD: King, Rawlings, Cant, Lewis, Haddock, Bennett, Singh, Parrott, Lee, White (Humphreys 75), Price.

Star Man: Jake Lee.

Shortwood travel to Swindon Supermarine on Tuesday, 7.45pm and to AFC Totton, Saturday, 3pm.

Stroud News and Journal:

John Evans (left) and co-manager Alex Sykes