SHORTWOOD moved into play-off contention with a 6-1 drubbing of Gloucestershire rivals Cinderford Town, writes Paul Benneyworth.
The Wood made it just one defeat in 21 games to push themselves into the play-off positions with six games to go of the Calor League Division One South and West season.
After four wins and 18 goals in their last four games, joint boss John Evans was delighted with his side’s latest victory ahead of tonight's home game against second-placed Cirencester Town, 7.45pm.
He said: “Everyone played there part today and we dominated them in all departments.”
Within seven minutes Shortwood had missed a penalty, had a opportunity well saved and scored a goal courtesy of a Cinderford defender own goal after Duncan Culley’s diving headed header been parried out into his path.
Within minutes of the half remaining the Cinderford defence conceded two further goals.
Firstly, Culley was poorly marked as he received a quickly taken throw from Sam Avery and his turn and pass enabled Ross Langworthy to pass the ball accurately into the net from 12 yards.
A mix-up in the Cinderford backline presented midfielder Adam Price with the opportunity to fire past keeper Harris.
The second half brought no respite for Cinderford.
Ten minutes in and a fine interchange on the wing between Price and John Cant put the latter down to the byline, where his powerful low cross was pushed out to Culley, who netted his 33rd goal of the season.
Two minutes later a free- kick from Jake Parrott curled in for 5-0.
With multiple substitutions by Shortwood Cinderford at last enjoyed an extended period of possession but rarely looked like breaching the Shortwood defence until the 89th minute when a careless loss of possession in midfield allowed Evans to score from long range.
Cinderford were not allowed to finish on a high however, when in injury time, sub Matt Bennett put fellow sub Dan Martin through on goal, and the on-loan Forest Green Academy striker slotted home Shortwood’s sixth.
SHORTWOOD: Herbert, Avery, Cant, Coates, Thomas, Parrott (57’ Bennett), Richards, Hancock, Price (73’ Martin), Langworthy, Culley (60’ Slack).
Sub not used: Sykes.
Star Man: John Cant.
Next-up: Saturday, 3pm, Fleet Town v Shortwood.
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