Shortwood 2 Newent 1 – Supplementary Cup final
By Jim Cunneen
Shortwood United’s long wait for silverware is finally over after they beat Newent 2-1 at Hereford Pegasus on Sunday. Their last trophy came back in 2010–11 when they defeated Tuffley Rovers 1-0 in the Gloucestershire FA Trophy.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is that it was Woods’ seventh game in just 15 days, yet the players showed no signs of fatigue. They largely controlled the game and thoroughly deserved the win. The grind isn’t over yet, with eight more games still to come before they can rest after 18 April.
Pic: Helen Warwick Photography
It was fitting that Captain Joe Tryner, after nine years and 228 appearances for the club, finally lifted a trophy. Both of Wood’s goals came from Alfie Bradshaw, taking his tally to 21 for the season. Yet the entire squad deserves credit for their work rate and determination under such a demanding schedule.
Wood took the lead after just 11 minutes when Olly Whelan’s ball found Bradshaw, who held off a defender and fired low into the net. Newent responded three minutes later through Dylan Hart, but after that, goalkeeper Joe Wright had only one meaningful save to make.
The decisive goal came in the 50th minute. A ball into the area fell to Tryner, whose shot was blocked, only for Bradshaw to pounce, shake off his marker, and slot home for the winner.
Shortwood lineup: Wright, Blacker C, White, King E, Tryner, Whelan, Underwood, Kent, Bradshaw, Martin, Gardner, Cronin, Blacker L, Keating, Adichareh
Man of the Match: Alfie Bradshaw
