Newent Town 1 Shortwood 4 – MARSH (UHL) Challenge Cup
Finlay Byrnes struck a hat-trick of free-kicks as Shortwood progressed to the next round of the League Cup with a 4-1 win over Newent, writes Jim Cunneen.
Newent took the lead after 17 minutes. A sloppy pass set Matt Klich free and although Billy Thomas saved his effort Taylor – Bradley was on hand to ram home the rebound. Just before the break Pepper had a good chance to double Newent’s lead but he shot straight at Thomas.
Wood looked a different side in the second period and were level within two minutes. Byrnes lined a free-kick up from fully 40 yards and hit it low – the ball somehow evading everyone and finding the bottom corner.
Two minutes later Byrnes had another opportunity, this time from 35 yards and his on target effort was deflected in by Halsall.
Wood took over and Bowes was inches wide and Duncan forced the keeper into a fine save.
Wood scored their third after 55 minutes. Alex Gayner skinned his marker and cut the ball home from the bye line from Dan Gayner to knock home.
On the hour, Wood scored their fourth and it was another free-kick from Byrnes.
Ethan Royer went on a mazy run leaving defenders in his wake and was unlucky to see his low shot rebound off the foot of the post.
Wood travel to FC Bristol on Wednesday before facing in-form FC Stratford at Meadowbank on Saturday.
A Shortwood former players day is taking place on Saturday.
Shortwood: Thomas, Sabally (Royer 62), Mace K, Byrnes (Kerr 70), Tryner, Lyons, Bowes, Price, Gayner A (Molyneux 67), Duncan (Smith 77), Gayner D, (Dobbins 67)
Star Player: Joe Tryner
