Shortwood 2 Abingdon United 1 – Unisport Hellenic League Division 1
Shortwood made it nine games unbeaten at home as they came from behind to take the spoils against Abingdon United, writes Jim Cunneen.
Wood recovered from the shock of conceding a goal after only 24 seconds to the delight of boss Marcus Foxwell: “The boys grew into the game and bought into the plan,” he said. “We looked good going forward with the wingers looking sharp. Once we got in front and overloaded the midfield and I was pleased that Duncan and Price did exactly as I asked.”
Two excellent goals from in-form Alex Gayner settled the game and also gave him the man of the match award over Keegan Bowes, who was a constant threat with his runs and captain Joe Tryner was a rock at the back.
Wood were stunned almost straight from the kick off when the ball rebounded off the bar and fell to Aaron Woodley who knocked home the rebound.
Wood recovered and took the game to Abingdon and Alex Gayner went close from 20 yards. Abingdon were quick into the tackle but Wood continued to push forward and Alex Gayner tested keeper Cavanagh and then headed over.
Bowes almost put Dan Gayner in and Smith had a shot blocked and Abingdon were generally restricted to shooting from distance before Wood levelled on the stroke of half-time. Bowes won the ball in midfield and his instant pass to the opposite side found Alex Gayner in space. The Wood man cut inside before shooting home inside Cavanagh’s left-hand post.
Cavanagh made a fine save with his feet to deny Byrnes almost straight from the restart, Smith hit a shot wide and Abingdon’s Dodson almost turned a low Bowes cross into his own net.
Abingdon enjoyed their share of possession but the defence held firm with Tryner to the fore.
Badger clipped a chance over but generally they could not penetrate before Kent hit an air shot from a good position on the hour. Loveridge did well to head a ball over his own bar under pressure but Wood played some excellent
football.
With seven minutes to go, Wood got their reward. Byrnes found Alex Gayner but there seemed little danger as the forward picked up the ball. However, he skipped tackles and fired across Cavanagh for the winner and a goal that would grace any standard.
Manager Foxwell rang the changes and Wood saw the game out comfortably.
Wood would like to thank Cam Everside for sending their Under 9s to act as mascots.
Shortwood: Thomas, Loveridge, Royer (Mace R 77), Byrnes, Tryner, Sabally, Bowes (Price 86), Kent, A Gayner (Duncan 84), Smith (Molyneux 73), D Gayner
