Hellenic League Division One
Malmesbury Victoria 3 Shortwood United 1
Shortwood boss Dan Gillespie insisted his side didn’t get the “rub of the green” as his side slipped to a frustrating defeat at Malmesbury.
Malmesbury had a play sent off in highly controversial circumstances while Wood were denied the most obvious of penalties and had captain Joe Tryner sent to the sin bin.
Malmesbury took the lead after 20 minutes. Lyons appeared to be hauled back as he chased back but it was missed by the officials and when the cross came in, Ben Patey was on hand to knock the ball home.
Malmesbury’s Harvey Scholes made it 2-0 after the break, but Wood reduced the arrears after 69 minutes. Finlay Byrnes’ free-kick was headed home by Jordan Molyneux. With 16 minutes to go, Daniel Wright and Mazzotta tussled for the ball and contact between the two was negligible
but Wood were given a free-kick and Mazzotta was instantly shown a second yellow. With 7 minutes to go, Wood were penalised and Jack Smith headed home to wrap the points up.
Wood boss Gillespie said: “We were a bit slow out the blocks. I think in the first 20 minutes Malmesbury were move lively than us, and looked a bit more motivated.
“I feel from that point there wasn’t a great deal between the sides. I think the difference was, we didn’t get the rub of the green when it came to the decisions and ultimately that’s had an impact on the outcome. For us it’s a case of drawing a line under it and moving on to the next one.”
Gillespie was delighted to be reunited with striker Dan Gayner who has joined from Hereford Lads Club: “Dan’s played for me at Gala and Newent and is a really good lad, with great commitment levels. He’ll add some good extra depth to the squad.”
Shortwood: Thomas, Loveridge (Ryley Mace 42), Royer (Sabally 74), Byrnes, Tryner, Lyons, Molyneux, Kent, Dan Gayner, Price (Bowes 58), Wright
