SHORTWOOD'S Wembley dreams were ended by a clinical Barwell side at Meadowbank on Saturday, writes Jim Cunneen.

The high-flying Midland Alliance side played football from the back and in Liam McDonald they had the best player on the pitch. For all their good football, however, Barwell had a heart of steel and allowed Shortwood to play their own free-flowing football and in fact had five players booked mostly for fouls on the speedy Matt Collins. Wood had the better of the early stages and Collins escaped down the right but his dangerous cross was deflected into the arms of keeper Castle. Meanwhile, Alex Allard whipped in a free-kick that was just taken off the head of the waiting Andy Hoskins.

Barwell stretched the home defence and Rich Barrett did well to save Charley's low shot and dive on the ball before McDonald could sweep the ball home. Barrett did even better to turn aside a curling drive after 15 minutes.

The play was open. Shortwood's best chance fell to Luke Benneyworth but his shot went the wrong side of the post.

The game turned in Barwell's favour in the 44th minute. Francis slipped in the area as he went to challenge and Ash Thomas was adjudged to have fouled him. Charley was in no mood to show mercy as he sent Barrett the wrong way to give Barwell an undeserved lead at the break.

Shortwood were forced to make changes early in the second half but they poured forward in search of an equaliser.

Twice Castle did well to intercept dangerous crosses but it was the visitors who scored the second after an hour. A sloppy pass put Wood in trouble and McDonald won a strong challenge and instantly put Cunnungton in. His finish was precise as he shot past Barrett from 12 yards.

Wood pressed forward but were unable to make much headway against Burwell's extremely efficient defence.

It was not until the 89th minute that Wood found another real chance. Ross Casey had a goal bound effort blocked and Craig Cole was unable to keep his shot from the rebound down.

Finally, in injury time Barwell scored the third following the best move of the match. The move started with Castle and a precise interchange of passing swept them upfield before McDonald scored the goal he deserved as he swept the ball home from close range.

Shortwood boss John Evans said: "The better team won but I am very proud of the effort of my team today. In the second half they gave us a lesson in looking after the ball."

Shortwood: Barrett, Greenhough (Bennett 50), Axton, Macklin (Evans 60), Thomas, Benneyworth, Allard, Casey, Mish Green (Cole 71), Hoskins, Collins.

Attendance: 198.