Luke Soule scored the only goal of the game to hand Shortwood United a 1-0 win at Tuffley Rovers, writes Jim Cunneen.
At this time of the year, it is argued that results are not important and it is all about getting minutes into players and players beginning to gel as a team – and all this is true. However, even at this stage, it is pleasing to see that Wood has retained the great majority of last season’s squad and have added wisely.
Wood were a few missing through holidays and other commitments and manager Ian Soule is going to have a nice problem to solve fitting a now impressive squad into a starting eleven and the five subs that can now all be used in League games this season.
The first half was tight and although Tuffley enjoyed the greater possession Wood looked largely comfortable while in the second period Wood were dominant and thoroughly deserved their win and the Rovers’ keeper was called into action to keep Wood at bay on several occasions.
Tuffley had a lucky escape when striker Chris Earle shot against the post after 54 minutes but there was no reprieve as Wood scored just 5 minutes later.
Finlay Byrnes’ long ball into the area was expertly knocked into the path of Soule by new signing Keegan Bowes and the Wood striker placed his shot into the corner.
Wood’s next game is tonight, Tuesday, at home to Western League outfit Tytherington Rocks (7.45pm), and with players returning it promises to be an interesting evening as the side continues to develop.
SHORTWOOD: Billy Thomas, Toby Colliver, Bailey Evanson, Pepa Orkest, Fin Byrnes, Lewis Tosdevine, Joe Wilton, Ben Tunnicliff, Luke Soule, Tariq Soliman, Louis Peyton, Nathan Payne, Guy Halliday, Chris Earle, Keegan Bowes, Harvey Nightingale
