Shortwood 1
Wootton Bassett 1
SHORTWOOD continued their bright start to the pre-season, holding Hellenic Premier Division Wootton Bassett to a draw, writes Jim Cunneen.
Manager Ian Soule mixed his squad to give more players some time but it doesn’t seem to matter who he plays Wood continue to pay with a style and panache.
The opening spell was even and Wood could have taken the lead after 10 minutes. Luke Soule swivelled in the area and shot towards the corner and his shot was going in but Joe Tryner got a final touch – but was in an offside position.
After 21 minutes Bassett broke at speed and Lewis Waldon raced through to fire an unstoppable shot past Billy Thomas in the Wood goal. Just a minute later Chris Earle ran into the area and appeared to be fouled but the ball broke to Soule who could not keep his shot down. The game was even but the best chance before the break fell to Keegan Bowes who shot inches over the bar.
Wood were by far the brighter of the sides after the restart and thoroughly deserved their equaliser on the hour. Wood exerted pressure, had several shots blocked, and when the ball broke to Soule he rammed the ball home from 15 yards.
Soule had another good chance 5 minutes later but shot too close to the keeper. Despite the heat, both sides continued to entertain and swapped chances but the game ended with no further goals
SHORTWOOD: Billy Thomas, Shay Lyons, Max Harper – Emerson, Lewis Tosdevine, Luke Soule, Tariq Soliman, Guy Halliday, Keegan Bowes, Lennon Lewis, Joe Tryner, Orkest Pepa, Jai Underwood, Chris Earle, Will Dunn, Dan Wright
