By Harry Ash
New boss Peter Beadle’s half-time team talk saw Shortwood take positives to take from a spirited second-half fightback against high-flying FC Stratford at Meadowbank. Trailing 3-0 at half-time, the Wood showed resilience to claw back to 3-2 before eventually succumbing 4-3.
The first half was dominated by Stratford’s Tom Daccus, who caused chaos in Shortwood’s defence from the outset. Less than ten minutes in, Daccus raced onto a ball released by keeper Ethan Pheasey and struck the near post from a tight angle. Toby Nicholl’s follow-up was blocked, but Stratford continued to press.
Shortwood’s first real chance arrived shortly after when Jack Gardner latched onto a pass from Ethan Royer, rounded Pheasey, but saw his effort cleared by Dan Atkins. Despite some brief respite, Stratford’s pressure told. Nicholl capitalised on Robinson’s cross and a clever header from Rob Sone to break the deadlock. Seconds later, Daccus scored his first of two, finishing after a mix-up involving makeshift centre-back Joe Williams. The visitors’ dominance continued, with Daccus tapping in his second just before the break, leaving Shortwood three goals adrift.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Shortwood. Manager Beadle’s influence was clear, as the Wood attacked with purpose. Alfie Bradshaw opened the comeback from a Jai Underwood delivery, nodding into an empty net. Gardner soon doubled the pressure, capitalising on an error from Pheasey to make it 3-2.
Stratford responded immediately, with Dan Atkins’ header from a corner restoring their two-goal cushion. Shortwood refused to give in, and new signing Adi Adichareh added a late third with a spectacular effort into the top corner.
Despite falling short, the Wood’s spirited second-half performance offered hope after a tough start. With two cup fixtures ahead, Shortwood will aim to build on this fightback before returning to league action.
Shortwood: Wright; Blacker (Kent), Royer (Afriyie), King E, Whelan, Williams (Price), Cronin (Adichareh), Underwood (Mulraney), Bradshaw, Martin, Gardner
