SOUTHERN LEAGUE

NORTH LEIGH 2

SHORTWOOD UTD 2

By Jim Cunneen

ON-LOAN Cheltenham Town goalkeeper Rhys Lovett took the plaudits as Shortwood pulled back a 2-0 half-time deficit to share the points at North Leigh.

And delighted Wood boss Alex Sykes was full of praise for the teenage prospect. He said: “I am very pleased to take a point, and we could have won it. Ed Weeks was outstanding at the back, but Rhys Lovett has to take man-of-the-match.”

Earlier, Wood gave a debut to striker Antonio Alvarez-Zamora, who has signed on dual registration with Gloucester City and he led the line with strength and power and almost gave Wood the points at the death.

The score could easily have been 2-2 after only five minutes. Lovett made a fine double save to deny McNish and then Seacole, while Liam Meredith clipped the outside of the post and Zamora headed just over.

North Leigh took the lead after 11 minutes. Ironically it was a rare mistake from Lovett that left Seacole with a simple tap in – but he should be forgiven for his immaculate keeping for the rest of the evening.

North Leigh doubled the score after 28 minutes - Seacole was left unmarked and unchallenged to turn home a low cross from 10 yards out.

North Leigh started the second half the better and Lovett made a tremendous double save again as he first somehow tipped a McNish header onto the woodwork and then reacted brilliantly to keep out a point blank effort from the rebound.

After 62 minutes Wood were back in it. Weeks’ cross was not dealt with and this time it was Meredith who had the simple tap in.

After 74 minutes Alvarez-Zamora sent another low ball in and Steve Davies collected, turned in and curled a delightful shot home from 15 yards.

Wood’s joy was obvious and they went for the killer blow and had two golden chances to win it.

Adam Price shanked wide from six yards and with the last move of the match Nick Peare crossed and Alvarez-Zamora met the ball perfectly, but Thompson somehow turn the ball behind.

SHORTWOOD: Lovett, Marks, Bennett, Weeks, Peare, Hancock, Davies (Morford 80), Price, Alvarez - Zamora, Meredith, Humphreys N.

Star Man: Rhys Lovett.

Shortwood travel to Bideford on Saturday.