Longlevens 0 Shortwood 3 – MARSH (UHL) Challenge Cup
Shortwood progressed to the next round of the League Cup with a superb 3-0 win at Hellenic Premier Division Longlevens and will now face Westfield in the next round, writes Jim Cunneen.
Both sides had players missing but this did not detract from a most entertaining tie with Wood thoroughly deserving their win.
Man-of-the-match Elliot Martin was everywhere and Shay Lyons and Dom Kent also stood out.
Boss Marcus Foxwell was delighted after the game, describing it as one of the best performances of the season.
The first goal game after 22 minutes and was a contender for team goal of the season. Starting at the back, Wood pushed forward with a flowing move that involved the majority of the team. And when Dan Gayner and Martin Smith combined to provide Alex Gayner, and he cut in and fired an unstoppable shot home from 15 yards.
On the half hour, Loveridge shot and home keeper Moroney saved at full-length as Alex Gayner went for the rebound he was brought down and Dan Gayner fired home the spot kick.
Longlevens were far from out of it and Billy Thomas saved well from Clift and then bettered it with a terrific double save from Mason and Clift as the hosts tried to find a way back into the game.
Wood put the tie to bed within e minutes of the restart. Martin’s corner was only cleared to the edge of the box and Kent shot home powerfully through a ruck of players.
Longlevens pushed forward forcing a string of corners and Martin did well to turn round a dangerous cross to the far post.
Shortwood: Thomas, Loveridge, Price, Martin, Tryner (Mace K 78), Lyons, Duncan (Byrnes 59), Kent, Gayner A, Smith, Gayner D (Bowes 72)
Star Player: Elliot Martin
