Shortwood United 3
Brimscombe & Thrupp 0
UHL Hellenic League Division One
Three goals inside the opening 20 minutes proved decisive as Shortwood United recorded their third 3–0 victory over Brimscombe & Thrupp this season and secured their first league double of the campaign, writes Jim Cunneen.
Wood made the perfect start. Almost straight from kick-off, Gardner’s cross was headed behind for a corner and, when the ball was delivered into the box, Olly Whelan rose highest to head home and give the hosts the lead.
It was 2–0 inside five minutes. Adi Adichareh found space down the left and delivered a dangerous cross. With Underwood threatening at the near post, Brimscombe keeper Brown was distracted and the ball ran untouched into the far corner.
Wood were firmly on top. Wright saved point-blank from Toop at the other end, but the home side continued to look dangerous. Bradshaw chased down a through ball and Brown rushed from his goal, his clearance striking Bradshaw from close range, only for the referee to rule handball much to the surprise of everyone inside the ground.
Underwood and Adichareh both went close as Wood pressed. Mulraney then released Whelan, who was flattened by Brown for what looked an obvious penalty, but Wood’s appeals were waved away and only a corner awarded. Frustration quickly turned to celebration, however, as Gardner’s corner was not dealt with and Whelan was on hand to stab the ball home for his second of the game.
Wood could not extend their lead further before the break, although it took a remarkable save from Brown to deny Adichareh following a fine move.
The second half was a very different affair. Brimscombe emerged with greater purpose and enjoyed the majority of possession. Blacker produced a superb tackle to deny Peachey-Score as he was about to shoot, while Wright tipped over a shot from Lock. Peachey-Score then blazed over when well placed.
With ten minutes remaining, Brimscombe had their best chance to score when Peachey-Score was pulled down in the box. Wright saved Toop’s penalty and, in the ensuing melee, Toop was shown a second yellow card for wrestling Wright to the ground.
After that, both sides allowed the clock to run down, with neither goalkeeper being overly troubled as Wood comfortably saw out the game.
Shortwood United: Wright, Blacker, King T (Royer), Mulraney, Tryner (King E), Whelan, Adichareh (Cronin), Martin, Bradshaw, Underwood (Price), Gardner (Asamoah)
Man of the Match: Olly Whelan
