Brimscombe & Thrupp 1, Shortwood United 1 (Brimscombe win 5-3 on pens) UHL Hellenic League Challenge Cup
Shortwood’s cup journey came to an end at Brimscombe after another penalty shootout, writes Jim Cunneen.
For the third time this season, Wood played out a 1-1 draw over 90 minutes, but on this occasion it was Brimscombe who held their nerve from the spot, converting all five of their penalties while Wood missed their first.
It was a cruel outcome for Wood, who created enough chances to win two matches, only to concede an equaliser in the 94th minute.
From the first whistle, Wood were on the front foot. Twice inside the opening minutes Brimscombe had to scramble clear dangerous deliveries from Bradshaw. Soon after, Bradshaw crossed for Cronin, who stretched but could only direct his effort narrowly wide.
Chances kept coming: Bradshaw shot straight at keeper Clatworthy, Cronin was denied when clean through, and Gardner saw a strike deflected over. All this, and the clock had barely reached 15 minutes.
Brimscombe responded through Piatek, who headed over, and Love, who shot wide. But Wood remained dominant. Clatworthy denied Bradshaw again one-on-one, and Garner put the rebound wide. Finally, on the stroke of half-time, Cronin’s excellent run and pass set up Travis Cooke, who finished coolly into the corner to give Wood the lead.
Brimscombe threatened more after the break, with Lock and Moore both going close, while Wood were forced into a change as Tom King left the field with a shoulder injury. On 62 minutes, Cronin’s low cross found Gardner at the far post, but his effort was agonisingly wide of the upright. Cronin then shot across goal with another golden chance, while at the other end Lock also fired wide.
Wood looked set for victory until the 81st minute, when Cooke—hauled down after breaking free—was shown a straight red for his reaction. Despite this setback, Shortwood almost sealed it when Bradshaw’s late strike was deflected narrowly wide.
But in stoppage time, Brimscombe forced a free kick on the left. The delivery broke to Ben Saunders, who kept his composure to drive home and force penalties.
Brimscombe were faultless from the spot, scoring all five, while Wood’s first attempt was saved. The 5-3 shootout defeat means Wood exit the Challenge Cup at the first hurdle.
Despite the frustration, the game was played in good spirit, though some of the officiating left both sides bemused.
Shortwood would like to thank Joe Tryner and Toby Colliver, who stepped in to take temporary charge and did an excellent job on the night.
Shortwood: Wright, Royer, King T (Price), King E, Tryner, Williams, Cronin (Adichareh), Mulraney (Underwood), Bradshaw, Cooke, Gardner
