'Wood Hit Jackpot' - 2nd July

Shortwood United have hit the jackpot in the FA Cup and Vase as they have received home draws in both!

Ironically Wood play sides from the Wessex League in both cups - last term they beat Moneyfields before losing to Bemertom Heath Harlequins. In the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup they will play Blackfield & Langley who were promoted from Division 1 last season from 2nd place. Should Wood win they will be at home to either Romsey or Hayling Island who finished 11th and 16th respectively. Dates for those games are: 15th August and 29th August

In the FA Carlsberg Vase Wood have been exempted to the 1st Round proper when they will play Winchester City at Meadowbank on 3rd October. City finished bottom of the Southern League South Division last season, following a failed protest to the FAregarding points deducted for playing an illegible player, and will play in the Wessex this season.

Early July Training for 'The Wood' - 22nd June

Pre-Season training will start for Shortwood United on Monday 6th July followed by Wednesday 8th July at Archway school. Sessions start at 7pm. Training will then continue every Monday and Wednesday thereafter. New and Old faces are most welcome to attend and players can ring John Evans on 07817 946166 or Mark Sumpter on 07878 647693 for further details.

Most of last seasons squad have already committed themselves to having another tilt at the title – including Alton Axton and Matty Collins and Wood will be welcoming back former favorite Ashley Thomas. James Singh returns from long term injury and John Evans is pleased to welcome defender Joe Macklin from Hungerford Town and is working hard to strengthen the squad further. Work also continues behind the scenes with new dug outs being put in as well as further covered seating opposite the main stand.

Shortwood United have also announced their pre season fixtures and start with the curtain raiser, a trip to local side Brimscombe and Thrupp on the 21st July followed by a trip to Moneyfields on Saturday 25th July. Moneyfields were one of Woods’ FA Vase opponents last year. They then have four home games. Yate come to Meadowbank on the 28th July followed by Bishops Cleeve on Friday 31st. Cinderford are the visitors on Tuesday 4th August and they finish with a visit from North Leigh on Friday 7th August. The kick off times for the evening games are 7.30 apart from the Brimscombe game which is 7.00.

Meanwhile the Reserves have a couple of games arranged as well. On the 29th July they travel to Slimbridge for a 19.00 kick off and on SUNDAY the 9th August Taverners come to Meadowbank for a 5 pm kick off. The Reserves also play Hatherley Rangers, away, in the 1st Round of the Reg Davis Memorial Trophy on Wednesday 12th August – ko 6.30 pm