Shortwood United 2

Bridgwater Town 4

Toolstation Western League

Depleted Shortwood just fell short after a battling display at home to league leaders Bridgwater Town writes Jim Cuneen.

It was the most entertaining game of Shortwood's season so far.

After two minutes, excellent play from Callum Scrivens set up Amos who delayed his shot and somehow a defender got back to deflect the effort for a corner.

Antell then cleared the ball off the line at the other end and Llewellyn hit the bar from 25 yards.

Langworthy had a goal bound effort blocked before, against the run of play, Bridgwater took the lead on 28 minutes.

Keeper Adam Clarke, who otherwise had a fine game, let a long throw slip through his hands and Horton had a simple finish at the far post.

Wood continued to press and finished the half on top.

Five minutes after the restart, Ellis powered home a header from a corner and when Bellinger slammed home a volley after 53 minutes, it looked like Wood might collapse.

They pushed back, and Amos intercepted a bad back pass and it took a remarkable clearance inches from the line to deny him.

Harry Elliott hit the foot of a post with a header for Wood before Viney made a fine save to deny the front man. O’Halloran then scored a fine solo goal to make it four which made for a harsh scoreline which in no way reflected the play.

Shortwood refused to buckle and with five minutes to go an Antell corner was volleyed home by skipper Joe Tryner.

Almost immediately, a fine through ball found Elliott who controlled the ball, side stepped a defender and fired home to make it 2-4.

Although Wood could make no more headway the signs are all there that Shortwood are beginning to believe in themselves.