Shortwood boss Matt Blythe lauded his side after they were beaten 5-4 on penalties in the FA Vase second qualifying round at Hellenic Premier Division leaders Cribbs.
After taking the lead through Josh Beadle, Shortwood were pegged back despite a goalkeeping masterclass from the returning Dan Brabham. Cribbs held their nerve to win the game 5-4 in a penalty shootout.
Blythe said: “I couldn’t have asked any more of the team today. To go away from home to a team top of the league above and play the way we did takes real courage and we gave a great account of ourselves and pushed Cribbs all the way.”
Earlier, playing a team a league above, Wood nosed ahead on 50 minutes with a sublime goal. Lee Bowles and Beadle exchanged passes for Beadle to race through for a clinical finish.
Cribbs netted parity after 64 minutes and it took a special goal to do so. Steve Murray made a fine run through the heart of the Wood defence before shooting across the outstanding Dan Brabham into the far corner. Both sides went for the winner and with seconds remaining Nowell had to hook a shot away with Brabham The tie went straight to penalties with Cribbs edging a thrilling contest 5-4 from the spot.
A brace from Tom King saw Shortwood Reserves win 2-1 against leaders Kington Town at Meadowbank.
Shortwood: Brabham, Byrnes, Hobbs, Tunnicliff, Nowell, Porter (Peyton 22), Phin, Beadle, Soule, Bowles, Harper Emerson
Star man: Dan Brabham
