Shortwood 0 Abingdon United 1 – UHL Hellenic League
By Harry Ash
Shortwood started this clash of promotion hopefuls relatively well, the plan being to isolate right winger Keegan Bowes up against Abingdon’s left back and get quality crosses into the area. Despite some good moments, though, this approach only produced a clear chance in the dying moments of the game.
The first chance of note arrived after 25 minutes, when Nathan Payne toe-poked wide of the near post after a short corner. It began a period of Shortwood pressure, with Kieran Marks firing over from the edge of the box before Joe Tryner volleyed wide from a corner.
Unfortunately for Wood, Abingdon capitalised on their wastefulness, taking the lead after half an hour. A cross from the right by Olivier Orzechowski was met on the volley by Owen James, who snuck in ahead of Alex Freeman to convert. The final chance of the half again fell for the hosts, with Bowes’ cross turned towards goal by Luke Soule, but Daryl Louise was there to block, and handball appeals were waved away.
The second half never lived up to the promise of the first, with neither side offering a threat until the closing ten minutes. Daniel Chalmers’ header was tipped over the bar by Freeman, before, in the final minute of normal time, a Payne cross from the right was met at the back post by Luke Soule, but he was denied by a fine save from Eddie Cavanagh.
Despite the defeat, Wood remain third in the table, albeit only ahead of Abingdon on goal difference
Star player – Keiran Marks
Shortwood: Freeman, Marks K, Barrett (Harper – Emerson 85), Marks N, Tryner, Rhodes, Payne, Pepa (Tosdevine 76), Soule, Eakers (Lyons 62), Bowes (Gilson – Clarke 63)
It was a bad day at the office for the Reserves too as they lost 0-3 at Longlevens in the league…
This week the first team are at home to Stonehouse (Tuesday – GFA ) then make the trek to Southam on Saturday – while the Reserves are at home to Meadow Park – both games kick off at 3.00
