Taunton Town 1

Shortwood United 2

Southern League South and West Division

By Jim Cunneen

SHORTWOOD joint-manager John Evans heralded a brilliant all-round team performance, which featured a debut goal for on-loan Gloucester City winger Ross Staley.

Signed on a one-month loan deal on Friday, Staley, was at the hub of Shortwood's clinical display which saw the Nailsworth side leapfrog Taunton to fourth.

Evans said: “That was a brilliant all-round team performance, this is a difficult place to come, but we showed some style today.

"Ross Staley just shades the man-of-the-match award for his goal, assist and hitting the post.”

Shortwood rung the changes after their 2-1 midweek defeat at Gloucestershire rivals Bishop's Cleeve – and were without the unavailable Liam Meredith and captain Matt Bennett.

Shortwood deserved their 11th minute lead. Tom Moxham’s corner was punched out to the edge of the area by keeper Lloyd Irish and Staley volleyed the ball back through a ruck of players into the bottom corner.

Shortwood continued to make chances and Staley, Jake Lee and Nick Hancock all fired over.

However, it was against the run of play when Town levelled after 34 minutes. Ex-Wood player Josh Klein – Davies had a shot blocked and Dale Evans shot was deflected past Tom King from 20 yards.

Wood were back in front within a minute of the restart. James Singh was fouled and Staley’s free-kick to the far post was met perfectly by Nick Peare, who headed home.

On the hour, Sam Rawlings threaded the ball through to Staley, who curled a delightful shot that cannoned back off the post.

SHORTWOOD: King, Rawlings, Humphreys, Lewis, Peare, Hancock, Singh, Moxham (White 75), Lee, Price (Hicks 83), Staley.

Star Man: Ross Staley.

Attendance: 222.

Next: Shortwood v Yate Town, Tuesday, October 27, 7.45pm.