UHL Helllenic League Division One West

Shortwood United 0

Cheltenham Saracens 2

SHORTWOOD suffered their first home league defeat of the season as profligacy in front of goal helped Cheltenham Saracens pinch the points, writes Jim Cunneen.

Shortwood co-manager Matt Blythe felt his side deserved something from the game, he said: "Credit to Saracens, they defended well and took their chances and we didn’t, but we felt we were worthy of a goal or two.

"We didn’t get going till the second half and piled on some pressure. Just lacked a bit of composure and quality in the final third to finish off the good approach work. Punished at the other end for a couple of mistakes, but we need to remember how new this group is."

Earlier, Wood had already had a couple of chances when Joe Wilton raced through and keeper Jones appeared to bring him down but referee Dow was unmoved.

Cheltenham had periods of pressure and Barnard came close with a strong header, Jones saved well from Wilton and from the corner Luke Soule saw his flick header pass inches wide of the far post.

Wilton and Finlay Byrnes both shot wide before Saracens took the lead after 26 minutes. Saracens broke and former Shortwood striker Harlie Price’s excellent low cross was turned home by Sam Mason.

Seconds later Jacob Nowell shot from 30 yards and Jones turned the ball over. Captain Ben Snook had a header cleared off the line before the break.

Adam Clark made a fine double save from Mason and Price shortly after the interval but then Wood took charge and dominated the proceedings with wave after wave of attacks.

Soule turned after fine work from Rendijs Kalnins and shot straight at Jones, Tom Black blocked Jones' attempted clearance only to see the ball bounce wide and Jones saved well from Max Harper – Emerson.

After 63 minutes Wilton slammed a 20 yarder against the post and the ball rebounded to Harper – Emerson but he could not keep his shot down and this was to be the turning point. Saracens broke at speed Jordan Bryan broke down the flank and Price was on hand to shoot home at the far post to double the score line after 68 minutes.

Wood still continued to press but the closest they came was dipping effort from Kalnins that Jones somehow managed to tip over. Wood could not relax however as Saracens always looked dangerous on the counter attack and in the last minute Clark saved well from Brignall.

Shortwood: Adam Clark, Rendijs Kalnins, Jacob Nowell, Tom Hoskins, Josh Kerr, Ben Snook, Joey Wilton (Kenneth Mills 75), Fin Byrnes (Guy Halliday 60), Luke Soule, Tom Black, Max Harper - Emerson

Star Man: Tom Hoskins