By Jim Cunneen

Southern League South and West Division

Didcot Town 2

Shortwood United 2

JAMES Singh was on song for Shortwood United as he bagged a last-gasp point at Didcot Town.

The Nailsworth side looked beaten until sub Singh popped up with four minutes to go.

Co-manager Alex Sykes said: “This almost felt like a victory after we came back from two-goals down. We still conceded bad goals, but the manner of our recovery was encouraging and we showed good spirit."

Didcot put pressure on Shortwood from the start and Wood did not help themselves conceding a stream of unnecessary free-kicks.

Twice in the first 10 minutes Didcot missed good scoring opportunities as Ballard and Dutton – Black headed over.

Shortwood's Andy Lewis made a great block tackle to deny Janes and it was 21 minutes before Wood threatened with Jake Lee forcing keeper Bedwell into a routine save.

Minutes later Shortwood came close to taking the lead against the run of play. Will Morford crossed low and Lee’s attempt was blocked by Bedwell’s leg and when the ball rebounded Nick Peare, stretching, could only put the ball over the bar from close range.

Wood were starting to get a foothold in the game and Adam Price came close with a rising shot. Didcot scored the goal their play deserved three minutes before the break when they broke at speed and Janes shot across Tom King into the far corner.

Wood were much better in the second half and started to get on top. Price was inches wide with a lob and then curled a free-kick over the wall that forced Bedwell into a diving save. Unfortunately, Wood were again caught by a fast break as they pushed forward and three slick passes saw Reid clean through and he shot past the advancing King to double the lead.

Wood were back in the game within four minutes. With 65 minutes on the clock Lee did well to knock the ball down and Lewis swept the ball past Bedwell into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Singh came on to add his speed to the cause and now Wood were in total control as they hit Didcot with wave after wave of free-flowing football.

Finally, with four minutes to go, Shortwood scored the equaliser they deserved. There seemed little danger when Morford got the ball in the corner, but a great turn and control took him past two defenders and free. His low cross curled away from Bedwell and Singh smashed the ball home at the far post.

Shortwood: King, Humphreys B, Humphreys N, Lewis, Halford (Singh 73), Hancock, Thomas (Meredith 55), Price, Lee, Morford, Peare.

Star Man: Andy Lewis.

Next up: Slimbridge (A) Wednesday, February 3.