Shortwood boss Matty Blythe must be tearing his hair out after United’s injury hoodoo kicked in for a second season, writes Jim Cunneen.
In an absorbing Hellenic League encounter at Meadowbank and despite their injury woes, Shortwood managed to grab a point in a 2-2 draw against Cheltenham Saracens.
Wood had to use all three subs before the 60-minute mark and they lost new signing Tom Pass, who came on as a sub and then sustained a wrist injury. Meanwhile, midfield lynchpin Lee Bowles hobbled off with a knee injury along with Minola Marquez and captain Jacob Nowell.
Charlie Hobbs and Finn Byrnes caught the eye, with Byrnes playing in three different positions during the game.
Hot-shot striker Luke Soule opened the scoring for Shortwood, making it two in two as he nodded home after good work from Hobbs and Josh Beadle. However, Dobbins netted parity for Cheltenham Saracens with a header.
Wood regained the lead when Max Harper – Emerson picked up the ball in midfield and let fly from 30 yards.
With 15 minutes to go, Saracens scored a point-saver when Kai Mahon fizzed in a 25-yard free-kick.
Shortwood: Aaron Taylor, Max Harper – Emerson, Alex Bartlett, Fin Byrnes, Jacob Nowell (Tom Pass 61), Fin Byrnes, Lewis Peyton, Charlie Hobbs, Josh Beadle, Luke Soule, Lee Bowles (Joe Tryner 57), Minola Marquez (Fin Blythe 45).
Shortwood welcome Clanfield 85 FC to Meadowbank on Saturday, 3pm.
