Southern League South, West

Paulton Rovers 3

Shortwood United 2

WOOD boss Paul Meredith insisted his side should have "nicked" a point at Paulton, writes Jim Cunneen.

The Nailsworth side were denied a share of the spoils in a five-goal thriller.

Meredith said: “We can take a lot of pride from this game today – we put a good shift in, kept our shape and could have nicked a point at the end with a bit more luck.”

Earlier, Shortwood had to play over an hour with 10 men after Samyan Ismael was given a correct straight red card for a poor challenge and from that moment their backs were up against the wall.

The game had started perfectly for Shortwood and after just two minutes they scored a fine team goal. They built from the back and a fine move was finished by an excellent low shot from man-of-the-match Jack Freeman from 18 yards.

Paulton were level within five minutes. Shortwood were guilty of not clearing their lines and a poor ball out of defence gifted Rovers possession. When the ball came in Jack Ball shot home off the inside of the far post.

Wood looked the better side and Hawes and the impressive Freeman were in charge and Wood looked dangerous while Paulton were restricted to long shots. After 27 minutes Ismail went in for a challenge and although not malicious it was dangerous and he was rightly red carded.

Still Wood defended well in that first period although Monelle headed a great chance over from close range.

Paulton ripped into Wood from the start of the second-half and within four minutes were in front when a good cross again found Ball who scored with a similar finish to his first. Ball then went on to miss several other good chances to complete his hat-trick.

Jordan Morris had a shot blocked and then a couple of minutes later shot straight at keeper Hannah, but the pressure mounted and it was no real surprise when Monelle made it 3-1 after 70 minutes with a header.

As usual Shortwood did not give up and reduced the arrears with seven minutes to go. Hawes made a terrific run down the left and fed Ben Prictor. Although his shot was blocked Freeman picked up the pieces and struck another good shot past the keeper.

Wood pushed Paulton back and Earle shot at Hannah after a good move and Freeman forced him into an excellent save – but they could not force home another goal

SHORTWOOD: Pickering, Meredith R, Prictor, Ryan Thwaite, Rich Thwaite, Humphreys, Freeman, White (Earle 81), Ismail, Morris, Hawes

Attendance: 102

Star Man: Jack Freeman.