Shortwood 2 Stonehouse 1 – GFA Trophy
Shortwood won a rip-roaring GFA Trophy at Meadowbank against Stonehouse and now face a trip to Hartpury in the next round, writes Jim Cunneen.
Dan Gayner had his best game since his return to the club, scoring twice, hitting the bar, and causing Stonehouse problems all evening.
The first half was all action and the only surprise was that the score was just 1-1 at the break.
In the opening seconds Pedrick, in the Stonehouse goal, did well to tip over a shot from Gayner but he was not to be denied when Fin Byrnes sent over a free-kick and Gayner’s glancing header gave Pedrick no chance. The lead only lasted 4 minutes as Lewis Bainbridge found space and rifled a shot from 20 yards into the far corner.
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Stonehouse were on top at this stage and Barrett went close and Soule shot across goal. Wood responded and Payne’s excellent dribble and low cross caused panic in the Stonehouse defence. After 23 minutes Gayner burst clear and his shot rebounded off the Stonehouse bar.
Bainbridge picked up two yellow cards in 5 minutes and was sent off after 55 minutes and Wood took full advantage of the extra man and started to find space with excellent passing movements and largely pushed Stonehouse back as they took control. Gayner came close with a volley and Price forced Pedrick to save with his feet.
Finally, with 72 minutes gone. Byrnes hit a perfect throughball and Gayner ran through and fired past Pedrick into the far corner. Stonehouse had no answer and it was Wood who looked likeliest to add to their tally. Elliot King being particularly unlucky with a shot that was deflected inches wide.
Shortwood: Wright, Williams (King E 72), King T, Byrnes, Tryner, Whelan, Price, Kent, Payne, Martin, Gayner
MOM – Dan Gayner
