Shortwood United 4

Mangotsfield United 1

Southern League South and West Division

BRACES from Jake Lee and Liam Meredith saw Shortwood United defeat nine-man Mangotsfield United in a high-octane clash, writes Jim Cunneen.

Red-cards were dished out to Mangotsfield midfielder Matt Groves and goalkeeper Mannings on a dismal day for the Bristol-based outfit.

A delighted Shortwood co-manager Alex Sykes said:. “This was a good display and I am well pleased with the result – it is never easy against them and Liam Meredith was our star man.”

Mangotsfield looked dangerous in the very early stages.

However, former Bristol Rovers and Gloucester City midfielder Lewis Hogg was shown a yellow card after for a challenge on Jake Lee, who recently turned down a move to the Bristol-based side.

Lee saw a header cleared off the line before the touch paper was lit with Groves seeing red on 38 minutes for a foul on Lee.

Shortwood took the lead just two minutes after the break. Captain Matt Bennett played a free- kick into the box and Lee controlled the ball and drove the ball home low into the bottom corner.

Mangotsfield were reduced to nine when keeper Mannings brought down Meredith on 52 minutes.

However, the Mangos unexpectedly found themselves level after 55 minutes. A free- kick was not dealt with and the ball dropped to Scott Brice and his shot took a deflection past the helpless Tom King.

Wood regained the lead after 62 minutes. Nick Humphreys picked out the inform Meredith, who headed home.

Sub James Singh made a quick impact as his low cross was slid home by Meredith for his second.

Wood were really making their numerical advantage count now and their football was excellent as they pushed the ball around with pace.

With 14 minutes to go Singh was again the provider as he whipped over a cross and this time it was Lee who headed home.

SHORTWOOD: King, Rawlings, Humphreys, Lewis, Halford, Hicks (White 72), Thomas (Singh 68), Hancock, Lee, Meredith, Bennett.

Star man: Liam Meredith.

Shortwood travel to high-flying National League South Oxford City on Saturday in the FA Cup second qualifying round.

A coach will leave Nailsworth Bus Station at noon, Aston Down 12.15pm, and Deer Park School at 12. 20pm. Please contact Jim Cunneen 07714661797 to book a place – cost £5.