Southern League South West Division

Mangotsfield United 1

Shortwood United 5

SHORTWOOD cemented their place in the play-offs with a five-star performance at promotional rivals Mangotsfield United, writes Paul Benneyworth.

A delighted Shortwood boss Alex Sykes sad: “We made a good side look ordinary today and the first half especially was excellent. To come here and score five was terrific – Will Morford was my man-of-the-match.”

Morford hardly lost a ball in the air all afternoon and contributed three assists.

The margin of Wood’s win by no means flattered them as they tore Mangotsfield apart at times.

Wood took the lead after 16 minutes. Rhys Lovett launched the ball long, Morford flicked on and Liam Meredith ran through and lifted the ball over the advancing keeper, Semmens.

Five minutes later Adam Price scored a fine solo goal after 21 minutes. Steve Davies and Morford sliced open the defence before Price got the ball – seemingly with little on. He took the ball across the area turned and cracked a low shot in off the far post.

Mangotsfield had their first chance after 23 minutes when Abraham shot wide before Nick Humphreys and Meredith set up Jake Lee who fired home from 15 yards to send Wood 3-0 up.

The goal tide continued after the break and on 67 minutes Morford found Lee who volleyed the ball home from the edge of the area for the fourth.

Sub Zamora made it five with 14 minutes to go. Monelle scored a consolation goal for Mango with five minutes left on the clock.

Shortwood: Lovett, Humphreys B, Bennett, Weeks, Lee, Price (Hancock 45), Davies (Withington 77), Mendes, Morford, Meredith (Zamora 54), Humphreys N

Star Man: Will Morford.

Next up: Shortwood v Wantage, Tuesday, October 25, 7.45pm.