SHORTWOOD UNITED F C NEWS

Details Finalised -26 January

Details of Shortwood's FA Carlsberg Vase 5th Round tie, at home to STL Northern League Ashington have now been finalised.

The game will take place at Meadowbank on Sunday 12th February with a kick off time at 3.00 pm.

Admission prices will be £8 and £4 concessions.

The £4 concessions admission is the minimum price set by the FA for this round of the competition and Shortwood regret the increase of Adult admission to £8. Under competition rules the home side is responsible for the overnight accomodation and travel expenses of Ashington and this increase is to help offset these costs.

Sunday Vase Date - 25 January

Shortwood's FA Carlsberg Vase 5th Round tie, at home to Ashington, will now take place on Sunday 12 February.

After consultation with the Gloucestershire Constabulary, they have been advised to play the game on the Sunday. Forest Green Rovers are at home to Luton on Saturday 11th hence the move of date.

Shortwood's Secretary, Mark Webb has told Ashington's Secretary and they are aware of the situation. Finalised arrangements will be published when agreed.

Home Vase Tie For Wood - 23 January

After a successful 4th Round tie Shortwood United have received another 'Home' draw in the 5th Round of the FA Vase when they will entertain Northern League outfit Ashington who won 3-2 at Newport Pagnell Town last Saturday 21st January.

Ashington currently occupy 8th place in the STL Northern League having won 13 of their 23 league matches and suffered six defeats. Their previous opponents Newport Pagnell Town, who play in the Cromasports United Counties League are presently in 7th place. 'The Wood' could have received a tougher draw and with 'Home' advantage must fancy a place in the Quarter Finals.

Shortwood's Jim Cunneen said. "In the last round they beat Newport Pagnell 3-2 away. Ashington will have to make the trip from their base in Northumberland. The Northern league features othe clubs like Whitley Bay, West Auckland and Bishops Auckland and it is sure to be a tough game!"

Injury Crisis For Wood's Opponents? - 20 January 2012

The North London press reports that, team manager Kevin Lucas is desperately hoping that the injury crisis which is threatening to derail Enfield (1893's) Essex Senior League title dreams will begin to ease in time for their FA Vase showdown at Meadowbank tomorrow.

Lucas believes that a seemingly ever-increasing injury list has played a significant role in his side only picking up two points from their three league matches since the Christmas break. If the situation does not improve before the weekend, then the "E's" will be hard pressed to extend their stay in the FA Vase beyond their round four trip to Shortwood.

"I'd imagine that Shortwood are rubbing their hands at the prospect of playing us," Lucas said. "I'm hoping that having a couple of days rest will help us to get one or two of them fit, but it's too early to tell at the moment. We've got half a team missing. I don't normally moan about injuries, but I've never known anything like it in all my time in football. The squad has been ravaged since we returned from the break, and we seem to be losing another two players every week. I just feel like banging my head against the wall. We feel like we're having to play with our hands tied behind our back, and it's a real struggle to fill the bench."

One thing for sure, "Wood" manager John Evans won't be taking notice of any press reports regarding problems the opponents do, or do not, have. He will be making sure that his team are fully prepared to go into the game expecting a tough contest, and remove any thoughts his players may kindle of the opponents having to field a weakened side.

Tough Vase Draw For Wood - 21 November

In the Round 3 of The FA Carlsberg Vase Shortwood United have what they believe is a tough away draw against Wessex League high flyers.

They will travel to Wessex Premier League outfit Bemerton Heath Harlequins on Saturday 3rd December. The Heathens are currently top of the league having played 19, won 15, drawn 5 and lost 2. Goals for 41 against 15. They made their entry to the Vase in the second round and beat Saltash United 3-1 at home.

Shortwood have played Bemerton twice in recent years. In 2008-09 Shortwood produced a poor away performance going down 0-3 in the 2nd round of the Vase but redressed the balance the following season winning 3-0, again in the 2nd round of the Vase with goals from Alex Allard, Matty Collins and Ross Casey.

This means that Shortwood's away GFA tie at Taverners scheduled for the same day will have to be rearranged.

Players Reunion - 1 November

On Sunday 6 November 2011 there is a reunion party for former Shortwood United players at the Club.

12 noon - 6pm (approx. depending on how lively it gets). Music will be provided by Mickey Davis (former winger and ageing mod), and also a hearty spread will also be on offer.

Supporters are also very welcome to come and reminisce about old injuries, with the Woodmen of yesteryear. Please Spread the word, we want as many ex players as possible.

Evans On The Radio - 19 October

John Evans, manager of uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division side Shortwood United is the special guest on Stroud FM’s local football show, The Locker Room, this Thursday at 7pm.

It will be Evans third appearance on the show and the former Forest Green Rovers boss, whose Shortwood side have enjoyed a bright start to the season, will be live for an hour on the radio to discuss his team’s campaign so far as the Nailsworth club are embroiled in a tough group of teams fighting for the division’s top spot.

To listen to the show on Thursday visit the Stroud FM website at stroudfm.co.uk and choose to ‘listen live’. Or if you live around Stroud you can listen in on the 107.9 frequency and if you cannot catch the live show you can listen again to the podcast a few hours after the broadcast by visiting the Stroud FM website.

Yesterday @ Wembley - 5 October

It was a great day for Mark Webb of Shortwood United when he was a guest of the FA at Wembley together with League Chairman Bob Dalling for the annual honouring of those groundsmen who achieved notability during the 2010-2011 season.

Winning a National award is a very special thing and we should all congratulate Mark Webb and Shortwood United.

Whilst there may be official images released by the FA, the League Chairman took an image of Mark examining the Wembley grass,which was likened to walking on a carpet.

Only he know's the reason why he is on his hands and knees. . . but we can have good guess!.

Webb Gets His Reward - 8 August

Shortwood Secretary and Groundsman Mark Webb was presented with his National Groundsman of the Year Award for Level 5 & 6 competitions by Hellenic League General Manager Brian King who made the award on behalf of the FA at half time in the match against local rivals Brimscombe & Thrupp.

This is a terrific honour for Mark who thoroughly deserved his success. He provides the perfect surface for Shortwood to play on and his pitch receives complements from all who play there. Everyone connected with the club would ike to thank Mark for all his hard work and congratulate him on his tremendous achievement.

Shortwood Strengthen - 11 July

Shortwood have strengthened their squad further by adding Tim Haddock from Bishops Cleeve.

Haddock, who has previously played for the Meadowbank outfit, made 27 appearences for Bishops Cleeve last season and scored 5 goals. He joins other new recruits Steve Jackson, Joe Tustain and Kevin Slack and the returning James Singh and Ryan Preddy.

Wood Back In Training - 5 July

Shortwood held their first pre season training session on Monday evening and Manager, John Evans, was delighted with how it all went.

"We had new faces who will hopefully strengthen the squad and all the others who came back looked fit and sharp. It was really encouraging " commented the manager.

John Evans is looking to strengthen the squad even further and the players will have hard work ahead of them as they face a strong pre season run of games - starting with an opener against Conference outfit Forest Green on July 19th at Meadowbank. This is only a fortnight away and Shortwood will be looking for an encouraging performance.

New faces included midfielder Steve Jackson and striker Kevin Slack from Bishops Cleeve, and striker Joe Tustain from Witney. Wood also welcomed back Ryan Preddy and James Singh who will add a lot of skill and pace to an already impressive squad as Shortwood look to challenge for what will be a very strong uhlsport Hellenic League Premier Division.

One things for sure - Shortwood supporters can look forward to another entertaining season at Meadowbank.

Shortwood Pre Season Training -27 June

Pre-Season training for Shortwood United will start at 7pm on Monday 4th July at Archway School, Paganhill Stroud. GL5 4AX.

The next session will be on Wednesday 6th July at Rednock School,Kingshill Road, Dursley. GL11 4BY. All players are welcome at both sessions to try out for the Shortwood United first and reserve teams. The pitch at Rednock School is a rubber crumb surface so please do not wear blades or hard 'screw-in' studs, rubber studded boots are allowed as are trainers and hockey style footwear.