Shortwood 2, Bourton Rovers Development 0
Wisemans Floodlit Cup – First Round
Shortwood progressed in the Floodlit Cup with a win that was far more convincing than the 2–0 scoreline suggests, writes Jim Cunneen.
Bourton Rovers defended deep, often pulling everyone behind the ball, making themselves difficult to break down. However, they lacked any attacking edge, and Wood keeper Alex Freeman remained largely untroubled throughout. The Shortwood defence dealt comfortably with the limited threat that Bourton posed.
With one eye on Saturday’s FA Vase tie at Street, manager Pete Beadle rotated his squad, giving valuable minutes to several players and handing George Parker his debut. Parker impressed with his pace and trickery, looking right at home on his first appearance. At times, the game resembled an attack-versus-defence training drill.
Shortwood dominated from the start. Parker’s excellent run and pass set up Dom Kent for an early chance that was inches wide. Visiting keeper Flower then made a fine full-length save from Afriyie’s cross with Adichareh ready to pounce. Parker shot straight at Flower before Mulraney sent a free kick narrowly over.
Adichareh went close again before Kent gave Wood the lead on 30 minutes with a low 20-yard drive just inside the post. Ten minutes later, Mulraney’s corner was headed past his own keeper by Madine to make it 2–0.
The pattern continued after the break, with Shortwood on the front foot and Bourton defending in numbers. Kent fired over before forcing another fine save from Flower. Afriyie was inches wide with a clever chip, and Flower again denied Elliot King late on as Wood comfortably saw out the tie.
Shortwood: Freeman, Price, King, Davies, Tryner, Colliver, Parker (Cronin), Kent, Adichareh, Mulraney (E. King), Afriyie.
