SHORTWOOD UNITED F C NEWS

Despite only losing out on the Hellenic Premier title on goal difference, Wood managed to miss a remarkable 23 out of the 28 penalties they were awarded over the course of the season.

When Shortwood United return to pre-season training there is little doubt what will be the main focus of their first session.The miserable spot-kick record could have ultimately cost them the title but upbeat manager John Evans (pictured) was still able to look back on a magnificent campaign with a sense of satisfaction. He said: "We have missed 23 penalties this season. If we'd scored more of them we would have probably won the league. We've had 28 and six or seven players have been involved taking their turns but it hasn't helped. Alex Allard scored two in a game against Hook Norton but then he went and missed against Wantage a week later. Saying that, the goalkeeper made a great save and we scored from the corner so it wasn't all bad."

Some of those who are guilty of missing penalties will still be in the frame for Shortwood's player of the season accolade, which Evans admitted is tough to call. Matt Green and Andy Hoskins were the leading scorers for a Wood side that bagged 99 league goals while they also had the Premier's third best defensive record.

"I think there will be four or five players in contention," said Evans. "Rich Thomas has had a great season in goal and Matt Bennett, the local lad at left-back has really come on. Mick Green and Matt Green have both scored a lot of goals and Andy Hoskins, the old warhorse, has scored something like 25. He has also been a great help to me on the sidelines along with (assistant) Mark Sumpter. If Luke Bennyworth and Ben Pugh had played more games they would probably be in contention too so it will be an interesting presentation night."

Following a curry night, the wedding of two people behind the scenes at the club and the presentation night, Shortwood will take a break before returning to set their sights one place higher next season. But Evans, who confirmed he will be staying on as manager, said that despite a remarkable league campaign that featured a 24-game unbeaten run it was the FA Cup memories which will stick with him.

Shortwood travelled to face notorious cup giantkillers Havant & Waterlooville of the Blue Square South and secured a famous 2-2 draw before losing out in the replay 1-0. Evans said: "The Havant game was shown on the TV and they had just given Liverpool a run for their money the year before. We did well to earn a draw at their place and we could have done it again if Andy Hoskins penalty had not been saved in the last minute so that's one that will stay with me for a long time. I'd like to have another good run next season and if I can keep the squad together there's no reason why we can't be up there and challenging for the title again too."

Down To The Wire - 24th April

The Premier Division title race will go down to the last day of the season following Shortwood United's 3-1 win at Wantage Town on Wednesday and Hungerfords' victory last night.

Wood held a one-point advantage at the top ahead of rivals Hungerford Town's game with Shrivenham last night. Hungerford won that game 2-1 after being a behind, going back on top with a two-point cushion and only need a draw from their last game to secure the championship on goal difference.

Wood's downfall was a 3-3 draw at Ardley United on Monday night when they surrendered a three-goal lead, given to John Evans' side by two goals from Matt Green and one by Ben Pugh.

Shortwood will end their season with a home match against Chalfont Wasps while Hungerford go to Hook Norton. Wood's last game with the Stingers ended in a 3-1 win. Hungerford beat Hooky 2-1 at Bulpit Lane in February.

Title Hope Alive - 10th April

Shortwood United kept their Premier Division title hopes alive with a thrilling last-gasp win at Old Woodstock Town last night.

The night started badly for Wood when goalkeeper Rich Thomas' car broke down on the way to the match and defender Will Steadman donned the number one jersey in his absence.

Steadman saved a controversial penalty on 30 minutes but the home side netted the rebound to take a lead.

However, Wood drew level on half-time when Matt Green flicked in a free-kick from Mike Green. The home side had player sent off early in the second half and Alex Allard scored from the free-kick but after countless missed chances Old Woodstock drew level 10 minutes from time.

It looked like Wood would have to settle for a point but a big Steadman free-kick in the 94th minute was flicked on by Alton Axton and Ben Pugh fired in with the last kick of the game.

Shortwood will meet leaders Hungerford in a battle of the top two tomorrow when victory for John Evans's side would put them level on points with the Crusaders at the summit.

Positive Result Needed For Wood - 3rd April

Shortwood United's title bid took another dent when they were held by Gloucestershire rivals Fairford Town in midweek, they will need a positive result tomorrow.

If Wood had won their game in hand on Premier Division leaders Hungerford they could have reduced the gap to just three points but John Evans' men were frustrated by the Cinder Lane outfit.

A poor defensive display allowed Fairford to come from behind three times, equalising an own goal plus one from Andy Hoskins and Matt Green's strike.

It was a second draw in four days for Wood, who are now five points behind Hungerford and both sides have eight games left to play, including a head-to-head clash at Meadowbank next week.

But first Wood must play Bicester Town at home tomorrow and completing a double following their 3-1 win over the bottom three Foxhunters in November is imperative if they are to keep their championship hopes alive.

Dream Back On - 27th March

Shortwood United's title dream is back on after FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier leaders Hungerford Town dropped seven points in 10 days.

Hungerford followed their goalless draw in the top of the table clash against Wood with a 2-1 defeat at Highworth Town and they were held by Witney United on Tuesday.

Shortwood's 1-0 win over Kidlington the following night means John Evans' side are now six points behind The Crusaders with a game in hand. Wood had their blip at the start of this month, dropping seven points after a 24-game unbeaten run, while Hungerford won 18 consecutive games before their recent downturn.

Shortwood now have 10 games left before the season's end on April 25, starting with a home match against Reading Town at Meadowbank tomorrow. They dropped two points in a 1-1 draw at Reading back in October when James Baldwin, who has now joined up with Forest Green Rovers in the Blue Square Premier, was on target for Wood.

Challenge Cup Semi-Final - 20th March

Shortwood United will battle it out with Chalfont Wasps for the last remaining SBJ Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup semi-final place tomorrow.

The Premier Division rivals will be aiming to join Carterton, Old Woodstock Town and Almondsbury Town in the last four. Almondsbury were the last club to make the semi's when they defeated league champions-elect Hungerford Town on penalties earlier this month.

Shortwood are second to Hungerford in the league table but despite a miraculous 3-2 win at Highworth Town in midweek, when they overturned a 2-1 deficit with two last minute goals, the title looks just out of reach for John Evans' men. The eight points they dropped in their three games prior to the Highworth clash is the distance they now trail behind Hungerford and both teams have 11 games remaining.

But cup success is a more realistic possibility for Wood who will start the semi-final as favourites following a 3-1 league win at Chalfont in October. Shortwood reached the last four by winning at Ascot United and Wootton Bassett Town while Wasps, last season's Division One East champions, beat Shrivenham, Lydney Town and Highworth.

Three Points A Must - 13th March

Nothing but a win will do for Shortwood United in tomorrow's top of the Premier Division table clash with Hungerford Town.

The Wood's 2-1 home defeat to Witney United in midweek means they are now nine points behind Premier Division leaders Hungerford with one game in hand.

Back to back defeats following a 24 game unbeaten run has dented the title hopes of John Evans' men but with games against Hungerford home and away still to come the dream remains alive.

The Crusaders have managed to hold off Shortwood's challenge with an 18-match winning run that dates back to October. They are the division's top scorers, have the best defensive record and can boast the Premier's leading scorer in 29-goal Ian Concannon.

GFA Quarter Final - 6th March

Two sides with title aspirations meet in the quarter final of the GFA Challenge Trophy when Shortwood United entertain Bristol Manor Farm tomorrow.

Both teams are second in their respective divisions although Wood are now eight points off top with just one game in hand following their first league defeat in 25 games.

John Evans' men lost 2-1 at last season's runners-up Almondsbury Town on Wednesday when the home side responded to Ben Pugh's goal with an Adam Cole brace in the last quarter of the game.

Boss Evans (pictured) will be looking for an immediate response in this cup clash against a Manor Farm side that are one point off leaders Bitton in the Western Premier after six wins and a draw in their last eight games.

Nothing Less than A Win - 27th February

Shortwood dropped two points in their pursuit of the Premier Division title when they were held by lowly Shrivenham in midweek.

A Shrivy equaliser two minutes from time means Wood now trail leaders Hungerford Town by eight points, and though they have two games in hand nothing less than a win against Carterton tomorrow will do. The Oxfordshire club are down in mid-table after losing their last seven but they will be buoyed by reaching the SBJ Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup semi-final with a 2-1 win over Marlow United on Tuesday.

Six Point Gap - 20th February

The Woods' 1-0 win at Carterton in midweek means they are now six points off the Premier Division's top spot with two games in hand.

John Evans' side will meet leaders Hungerford in a title showdown next month but first they must travel to last season's runners-up Almondsbury, Shrivenham and first of all Marlow United tomorrow.

Wood have already won at Wilks Park this season when they beat Marlow's groundshare rivals Flackwell Heath 2-1 last month.

Keeping Up Chase - 30th January

Shortwood will keep up their pursuit of Hungerford when they host Highworth Town in a clash between two former Hellenic League champions. Wood, who last won the title in 1992, have three games in hand on Hungerford and come into the game with a remarkable recent record.

Last week's 2-1 win over Flackwell Heath stretched their unbeaten league run to 19 games and they have picked up 53 points from a possible 57.

Seventh-placed Highworth, the 2005 champions, are also in good form after winning their last three.

The two sides were separated by three points at the end of last season with Shortwood just pipping the Worthians to fifth place.

Revenge Mission - 23rd January

FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier Division Shortwood United embark on a revenge mission when they visit Flackwell Heath tomorrow.

Wood are seven points off the Premier Division summit with three games in hand on leaders Hungerford Town following an 18-match unbeaten run. Their last league defeat was on August 23, when tomorrow's opponents Heath left Meadowbank with a 4-2 victory.

The two side's form has been contrasting since with the Heathens slipping into the bottom four after six defeats. Wood's midweek 2-0 win at Fairford, when Matt Bennett and Matt Collins scored, means they have now collected 50 points out of a possible 54.

Shortwood have not lost on the road this season and aim to keep that intact by exacting their revenge on at Wilks Park.

No Ground Lost - 12th January

Once again Shortwood's game was postponed on Saturday due to a frozen pitch but they lost no further ground in their quest for the league title and possible promotion to the BGB Southern League as the complete Hellenic League programme was called off!

The 'Wood' face two potentially difficult games in the next seven days. On Tuesday they face Almondsbury Town at Meadowbank. Almondsbury are currently 7th in the league and they, like Shortwood, have games in hand over leaders Hungerford. Almondsbury have only lost 3 league games all season.The Almonds are unbeaten in their last 5 matches with 4 wins and a draw and have scored 20 goals in that time and conceded only one. Their last result was the draw 0-0 at home to Fairford.

Then on Saturday The Wood are at home again. This time to 5th placed Ardley United. Ardley have played 21 league games and have won their last two 4-0. These results were both at home against the league's bottom clubs - Bicester and Harrow Hill. Sandwiched in between the two league games was another 4-0 scoreline but this was a defeat - to Hook Norton in the Oxfordshire Senior Cup.

Wood Target Milton Win Double - 19th December

Shortwood can complete a double over Milton with victory in the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division tomorrow.

Wood, who were surprisingly defeated 4-0 by Hook Norton in round two of the Floodlit Cup on Tuesday, won their last meeting with the Miltonians 3-0. Russell Courtney, Chris Davis and Mike Green were the scorers as John Evans' side kept one of six clean sheets this season.

That sort of form has helped Wood claim the best defensive record in the division and they have chalked up eight successive wins on their way to third. The Meadowbank club's last league game was postponed as top side Hungerford extended their lead to 11 points.

However, Evans' men have five games in hand on the Crusaders and could go clear if they win each one. They are expected to start that bid in successful fashion against a Milton side that have not win in five games since they beat lowly Harrow Hill 2-1 on November 11.

Tables Turned? - 12th December

Shortwood United are out to turn the tables when they visit Wantage Town in the Premier Division tomorrow.

A depleted Wood side lost 2-0 to the Alfredians in their second game of the season on August 19 – one of two defeats for John Evans' side in their opening three games. But the Meadowbank side have responded with a 13-game unbeaten league run and eight successive wins have put them second in the league.

They are also through to the fourth round of the Gloucestershire FA Challenge Trophy after a 3-0 home win over Ellwood on Tuesday.

Wood's Cup Trail - 28th November

Shortwood United are back on the trail of more cup glory when they visit Wootton Bassett Town tomorrow.

John Evans' side, who rounded off last season in style by beating Ardley United in the Supplementary Cup final, take on Bassett in round two of the SBJ Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup.

Wood are up to third in the Premier Division after they extended their unbeaten run to 12 games with a 3-1 win at Hook Norton on Tuesday night. They have now picked up 34 points out of a possible 36 and can boast the best defensive record in the division.

Wootton Bassett also won on Tuesday, a 2-1 home victory over Winterbourne United, and they are now ninth in Division One West. They defeated Hook Norton 2-1 in Challenge Cup preliminary round and stunned One West leaders Hardwicke in the first round to set up the clash with Wood, who won 3-2 at One East pace setters Ascot United in round one.

Wood will start as favourites at the Gerard Buxton Sports Ground and they can look back to a previous knockout competition meeting between the two sides for inspiration.

Shortwood entertained Wootton Bassett at Meadowbank in the second qualifying round of the 2002-03 FA Vase and ran out 5-1 winners.

Top Three Spot For Wood? - 21st November

Shortwood can move inside the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division's top three with a 10th win in 11 league games tomorrow.

Wood, who have picked up 28 out of a possible 30 points in their last 10 Hellenic fixtures, are currently fourth and just two points behind Chalfont Wasps after a 4-0 win over Marlow United last week.

Mid-table Shrivenham visit Meadowbank tomorrow and they will be smarting from a FA Vase exit in midweek when they were defeated 4-1 by Wessex League Hamworthy United.

Top Five Task - 7th November

Shortwood can break into the FTL Futbol Hellenic League Premier Division's top five with victory at Bicester Town tomorrow.

John Evans' "Wood", who have the best defensive record in the division, have enjoyed a run that has seen them the take 19 points out of 21 in their last seven league games.

They knocked Division One East high fliers Ascot United out of the SBJ Insurance Brokers Challenge Cup last week and will be expected to beat a Foxhunters side that have lost their last eight league games. Bicester are in the bottom two while Shortwood are unbeaten on the road, winning six and drawing one of their seven outings.

Vase Prospects For Wood - 3rd October

Shortwood can erase the painful memory of their midweek FA Cup replay heartbreak with a good run in the The FA Vase this season.

Valiant "Wood", the last remaining FTL Futbol Hellenic League club in the FA Cup, were defeated by Havant and Waterlooville in Tuesday nights' home rematch when Matt Bennett's 89th minute penalty was saved to deny John Evans' side extra time.

Shortwood weathered the storm until 20 minutes from time when Gary Holloway scored the goal to end their interest in the competition and a Vase run would be the perfect pick-up.

After their 4-0 win over Devizes in the First Qualifying round of The FA Vase, Shortwood will feel confident of seeing off the challenge from another Wessex League outfit when they travel tomorrow to opponents Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

However, their last meeting ended with a Harlequins win when they knocked Shortwood out of the FA Cup with a 2-1 first qualifying round victory in 2002-03. The Salisbury based club have better Vase pedigree after reaching the fifth round in 1999 - Wood have not got that far since 1982.

But Evans' men have shown their knack for the knockout competitions once again this season and they should be too strong for a Harlequins' side that are down in their division's bottom five after three wins in 10 games.

Eager For More Success - 19th September

"The Wood" will play Devizes Town in the FA Vase for a fourth time when the teams meet at Meadowbank tomorrow.

Wood won the first clash, a third round home tie in 1981-82, 3-1 as they went on reach the fifth round before being knocked out by local rivals and eventual winners Forest Green Rovers.

The second meeting was also at Meadowbank and again Hellenic Premier Shortwood came out on top with a 4-1 preliminary round victory in 1989-90.

But it was third time lucky for Devizes in 1989-90 when they won a second qualifying round tie at Nursteed Road 2-1. Devizes, Vase quarter-finalists in 2003, are currently in the Western League Premier Division's bottom three after one win in their opening eight games.

John Evans' Wood are eager for more success after last week's FA Cup win over Didcot Town, which included a hat-trick from in-form striker Chris Davis. The victory set up a second qualifying round tie at Blue Square South Havant & Waterlooville, who led at Anfield twice before going down to Liverpool 5-2 in last season's fourth round proper.

Wood Face The Giant Killers - 15th September

Shortwood carry the Hellenic flag through to the 2nd Round Qualifying of The FA Cup, just as they did last year when they upset the odds by beating Gloucester City.

This year they have an even greater mountain to climb when they meet Blue Square South, Havant & Waterlooville, the non league Giant Killers from last season. Their astonishing FA Cup run went on gaining national prominence with a Third Round tie against League One leaders Swansea City. A two legged affair followed, with Rocky Baptiste’s equaliser at the Liberty Stadium setting up a replay at Westleigh Park watched by 4,400 fans in which the Swans were outplayed and sent back to Wales with a 4-2 defeat, much to the delight of the media.

Cup fever gripped the town when the Fourth Round draw handed the "Hawks" a trip to face European giants Liverpool, and 21 coaches helped move 6,000 Hawks fans to Anfield on January 26th 2008. An attendance of 42,566 watched as the non-league minnows shook the Kop and took the lead twice against the Reds before the inevitable defeat that seemed almost irrelevant after the magical journey the cup run had created.

But this time the "Hawks" immediate Cup fate is in the hands of the minnows from the Hellenic League, "The Wood". John Evan's boys have caused Cup upsets in the past and will go out at 3pm on Saturday September 27th, with nothing to lose, and the full intention of causing another 2nd Round Qualifying Cup upset.

Shortwood Preparations Going Well - 3rd August

FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier side Shortwood United’s build up to the new season continues a pace both on and off the field.

In pre season games Shortwood lost 1-3 to a strong Cinderford side with James Powell scoring for Wood and on Wednesday evening they lost 2-4 to North Leigh. Wood played some impressive football on the floor and the score line was very harsh indeed as they more than matched their Southern League opponents. Wood could easily have been two or three goals to the good before North Leigh took the lead and James Coates gave the side parity. Defensive lapses cost Wood as North Leigh gave themselves a two goal lead before Chris Davis pulled one back. A further breakaway goal finished the scoring. On Saturday Wood travelled to Pershore and came back with a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Davis and Matt Green.

Wood have lost the services of Will Steadman to Almondsbury, John Cant to Hungerford and Ben Pugh has joined Southern League Outfit Cirencester. For all that Wood look to have an impressive squad and can look forward to another successful season.

Off the field the Dressing rooms have been given an excellent facelift and other important work to improve facilities continues. The Wood pitch is in superb condition and is a real credit to the club.

Shortwood Eager For The Off! - 18th July

Shortwood United are looking forward to the start of the FTL Futbol Hellenic Premier Division's new season with a sense of eager anticipation and hope to build on last season's top 5 finish in the Premier Division.

There has been a good turn out at training. The vast majority of last seasons team have reported back, including top goalscorers James Singh and Chris Davis, experienced midfielders Ross Casey and Matthew Green. Two new signings have come from Hartbury - midfield / defender Will Whitney and Goalkeeper Rich Thomas join James Baldwin in also signing.

Shortwood started their pre season games with a good workout in a competitive game with Brimscombe. First half goals from Matt Green and Chris Davis secured the 2-0 win.