Hartpury University FC 2 Shortwood 1 – Uhisport Hellenic League Division 1
By Jim Cunneen
Hartpury striker King Baidoo proved the difference as new Shortwood boss Marcus Foxwell took official charge for this first time since the departure of Dan Gillespie.
Wood could have taken a point of Hartpury and will rue the chances they missed especially in the first half. The real difference between the sides was the outstanding Baidoo who scored the first goal and was a real threat to the Wood every time he got the ball. Other than that the battles were even and captain Joe Tryner and Shay Lyons were excellent in the air.
As early as the second minute Wood had a chance and Smith forced ex- Wood keeper Jacob Muir into a smart save. Ben Sluman then had a goal bound shot deflected inches over the bar.
Baidoo was a constant threat and it took a superb last-ditch tackle from Tryner to deny him and then he fired inches over but he was not to be died finishing smartly after 20 minutes. Wood missed a golden chance minutes later when Smith headed wide after good work from Byrnes and Gayner.
Wood were looking dangerous and the long throw of Sabally caused Hartpury problems but it took a great save from Thomas to deny Baidoo from close range. Wood went 0-2 down when Bevan converted a low cross after 39 minutes.
Price had a goal bound shot blocked and the game became a tight midfield battle before Wood pulled a goal back with 15 minutes to go. Byrnes took a short corner to Sabally and his cross was knocked home by Dobbins.
Wood pressed for an equaliser but it took another fine save from Baidoo to deny Hartpury a third.
Shortwood: Thomas, Sabally, Mace K, Byrnes, Tryner, Lyons, Sluman (Dobbins 72), Kent, Gayner D, Smith, Price (Molyneux 66)
