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The Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South & WestThe Evo-Stik League Southern Division One South. West

Quality For All

Rover European TravelThe Coach House

Avening RoadNailsworthGL6 0BS

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Des mereDiThWelcome to Shortwood

Good evening to all.Tonight we welcome Swindon Superma-rine to Meadowbank and I’m sure they welcome the short trip for a midweek fixture!!!I think both sides are just hoping they can put out 11 fit players to start the game, given all the injuries both clubs have endured this season and we’ve not even made Christmas!!!The players have given us everything in terms of effort over the past week and have picked up 4 points from 6 which we are pleased to have. It has lifted us up

a few places and we have a few games in hand, which of course we have to get points from, but physiologically it will give them a boost and hopefully relax them a little and enable them to play with a bit more freedom!!!The spirit and moral within the squad and changing room is as good as it has been from the start and all the players are focused on what we are trying to do, which in turn will get us through this busy and tricky period!Hope you enjoy the game!Des

THE TEAMS TODAY

Today’s match sponsor is

SHORTWOOD UNITED SWINDON SUpERMARINE MANAGER: DES MEREDITH MANAGER: DAVE WEBB

ASSISTANT MANAGER: CHRIS BURNS ASSISTANT MANAGER: LEE SpALDING

pHYSIO: LIz SpRATT GOALkEEpING COACH: JAMES WHITLOCk

FITNESS COACH: JAMES RUSSELL

COLOURS: RED AND WHITE COLOURS: RED

GEORGE BURTON 1 JOSH HILL (Gk)

RYAN THWAITE 2 JACk ALExANDER

RYAN MEREDITH 3 RYAN MORGANTRISTAN HASWELL 4 SAM MORRIS

ALEx kIBBLE 5 zAk WESTLAkE (C)JACk FREEMAN 6 RYAN WOOD

BAkARE ALIU 7 JOE SELMANJOE WHITE 8 BRAD HOOpER

NICk HUMpHREYS 9 CONNOR THOMpSONJORDAN MORRIS 10 JOSH pARSONSLIAM MEREDITH 11 RYAN CAMpBELL

WILL HAWES 12 MATT COUpEASHLEY DAVIES 14 HARRISON BENNETTHARRY BURNS 15 AARON WOODLEY

JOE NOAkES 16 GEORGE BELLYESH LOMOTEY 17 ANTONIO GERRISH

18 MACAULEY DODSO 19 MASON HATHAWAY20 kIERAN DIAz-BENITE

Referee: Craig Simpson Assistants: Darren Mcmillan and Jack Reed

Country Quality MeatHIGH CLASS BUTCHERS

Take advantage of Nailsworth’s free parking and pop into Country Quality Meats.

Enjoy a succulent joint to roast, tasty English chops or how about some of their marvellous sausages?

SUPPLIER OF SHORTWOOD’S FAMED BEEF BURGERS AND PREFERRED BUTCHER TO

LOCAL RESTAURANTS.

Country Quality Meat is very easy to find in Old Market. It's next to the Co-op opposite Brutons of Nailsworth.

Country Quality MeatHIGH CLASS BUTCHERS

tel. 835058

George Burton (GK)George is currently at Hartpury. He comes with experience of the Southern league football having played at Paulton Rovers last season and is a safe pair of hands between the sticks for us.

Ryan Thwaite (Defender)Age 23

Ryan rejoins the club after 2 seasons away , Good all round player that has settled back quickly , with the ability to play several positions he will be a good addition to the squad

Alex kibble (Midfield) Age 24

Alex has joined us after being asked to have a look with a view to stepping up levels and has adapted well , confident on the ball and fits in to how we want to play .

Ryan Meredith (Midfield) Age 26

Ryan has made his way through the development side into the senior squad this season . Equally comfortable in Defence as in midfield and will be a good addition

Jordan Morris

Jordan joins us from Forest Green on a season long loan , has pace as well as a good left foot and is versatile in a number of positions that will give us options throughout the season.

Ben prictor (Defender) Age 27

Ben joins us with plenty of experience at this level with 2 seasons at Cirencester in Southern Premier under his belt . Played in Hellenic premier last season whilst recovering from a knee injury , and now feels ready to step up a level once again .

Joe Noakes (Defender) Age 19

Joe is currently at Hartbury College and joins us this season with a view to gaining good experience and forcing his way into being a regular. Attitude and commitment Very good .

Tristan Haswell (Defender)

Tris joins us from Tuffley RoversHe is a good left sided player and can play either full back or wing back comfortably and will be a good addition to the squad.

Sam Taylor( Midfield)

Sam joins us from Paulton Rovers, a player that will chip in with his fair share of goals from midfield as well as creating too.

Player profiles: Shortwood UnitedRhys Lovett (Goalkeeper) - Rhys is a second year professional with Cheltenham Town and has been loaned to us for the entire season, a technically ex-cellent keeper with great distribution and handling skills he is hoping that game time with Shortwood will help propel his professional career.

Andy Lewis (Defence) – An excellent signing from near rivals Yate Town. He is a strong centre back, with plenty of Southern League experience with Cinderford Town, who also has ability to also get the ball down and play.

Nick Humphreys (Midfield) – In his fifth season with the club and now established in the first team after spending his first two in the reserves. An attacking left back or midfielder, strong and good in the air.

Liam Meredith (Midfield) – A strong midfield-er making a bid for a regular first team place. Was top scorer for the reserves last year and their player of the year

Nick Peare (Midfield) - Joined this season from Longwell Green. Previous clubs were Taunton and Swindon Supermarine. Pre-ferred position is centre half but can play anywhere on the left hand side.

Sam Mendes (Midfield) – A product of the Cheltenham Town Youth set up, Sam unfortunately got a bad injury when on the verge of a professional contract last Janu-ary. He is a very talented midfielder with excellent tech-nical ability. Sam did spend pre-season with Gloucester City and is now looking to getting back into a run of games at first team level.

Ed Weeks (Defence) - A strong versatile central de-fender who has previously had spells with Taunton and Tiverton Town. Ed is currently studying at Hart-pury College and has been on the Shortwood radar for some time after overcoming a knee injury.

Nathan Marks (Defence) – 18 year old Nathan is a local Stroud lad having attended Maidenhill School in Stonehouse. He has been with Swindon Town but on his release snapped up by Shortwood. A comfortable, quick right back, Nathan has al-ready proved his reliability defensively during pre season.

Player profiles: Shortwood UnitedRhys Lovett (Goalkeeper) - Rhys is a second year professional with Cheltenham Town and has been loaned to us for the entire season, a technically ex-cellent keeper with great distribution and handling skills he is hoping that game time with Shortwood will help propel his professional career.

Andy Lewis (Defence) – An excellent signing from near rivals Yate Town. He is a strong centre back, with plenty of Southern League experience with Cinderford Town, who also has ability to also get the ball down and play.

Nick Humphreys (Midfield) – In his fifth season with the club and now established in the first team after spending his first two in the reserves. An attacking left back or midfielder, strong and good in the air.

Liam Meredith (Midfield) – A strong midfield-er making a bid for a regular first team place. Was top scorer for the reserves last year and their player of the year

Nick Peare (Midfield) - Joined this season from Longwell Green. Previous clubs were Taunton and Swindon Supermarine. Pre-ferred position is centre half but can play anywhere on the left hand side.

Sam Mendes (Midfield) – A product of the Cheltenham Town Youth set up, Sam unfortunately got a bad injury when on the verge of a professional contract last Janu-ary. He is a very talented midfielder with excellent tech-nical ability. Sam did spend pre-season with Gloucester City and is now looking to getting back into a run of games at first team level.

Ed Weeks (Defence) - A strong versatile central de-fender who has previously had spells with Taunton and Tiverton Town. Ed is currently studying at Hart-pury College and has been on the Shortwood radar for some time after overcoming a knee injury.

Nathan Marks (Defence) – 18 year old Nathan is a local Stroud lad having attended Maidenhill School in Stonehouse. He has been with Swindon Town but on his release snapped up by Shortwood. A comfortable, quick right back, Nathan has al-ready proved his reliability defensively during pre season.

Will Hawes (striker)Will is one that is looking to make the step up from the Development squad this year and get a foot in the door, technically the best in the club.

Todd Hathaway (Forward) Age 25Todd is another one who finished last season at Wantage and is keen to prove himself and push for a position up top this season.

Liam Meredith (Forward) Captain Age 27Liam is the final member of last seasons squad that has stayed with the club this year . He will be hoping to get a consistent run in a position that suits him best in the team this year where he can make an impact.

Ashley Davies Joins us from Tuffley Rovers , versatile midfielder/ defender which will be a good addition to the squad with his strength and energy , will also contribute goals.

Jack Freeman (Midfield) Age 18

Jack is another one who has stayed with the club from last seasons squad . Jack finished last season well and if he carries the form forward to this season he will be a good member of the squad.

Joe White Joe rejoins us from Paulton , he last played for a couple of seasons back and is looking forward to establish himself again will chip in with his fair share of goals which is always handy from a midfield player.

Chris Burns (Assistant Manager /Coach )Chris has had great playing experience at a professional level where he played at clubs such as Portsmouth , Swansea , Bournemouth and Northampton, as well as a more local level for Cheltenham , Forest Green and Gloucester City. His coaching experience abroad in Spain and at Cheltenham will be a big plus for the squad to learn from and will be a big asset to the club.

Des Meredith (Manager)Des steps up to manage to 1st team this season after managing the reserves for 5 years and gaining back to back promotions from the Northern Senior league to where the Development side play now in Hellenic Division 1. Having played at the club for a long time previously Des knows the style of football the club like to play and watch, and together with Chris they will endeavour to get players to enjoy their football and build for the future.

Available now at mitre.com/deltaThe Mitre Delta - ready to make history again.

The Legend Returnsmitre.com/delta

NON LEAGUE PAPER FULL PAGE 263X321MM.indd 1 07/07/2017 09:22

Swindon Supermarine pen picS

DAVE WEBB: Manager Profile: Dave joined Marine as manager in July 2012 having spent eleven seasons at Highworth Town where he led them to a number of top six finishes and also won the Hellenic Premier Division Championship in the 2004/05 season and the Hellenic Challenge Cup in 2011/12 and the Wiltshire Senior Cup in 2008/09. Dave started his managerial career after finishing his playing career with Highworth Town as assistant to former Swindon Supermarine manager John Fisher in the 2000/01 season. A playing career that saw him play for club’s in Wiltshire and the surrounding counties including Vickers, one of the former names of Supermarine. He also played for Wantage Town, Devizes Town, Gloucester City, Trowbridge and Stroud. He was a colossus for Gloucester City in two spells from 1990 to 1999 where he made a total of 225 appearances and scored 36 goals. His first two seasons at Marine in charge were excellent seasons, with a fourth place league finish on both occasions and unfortunately defeats to Merthyr Town in both the playoff semi-finals, the first in 2013 on penalties and a 5-2 defeat in the other. The 2014/15 season the team finished in a disappointing 14th place and the contributing factor to this statistic was the high number of long term injuries to key players and some were still injured at the start of the 2015/16 season but the season ended with the team once again finishing in the playoffs, but once again losing out and on this occasion to Taunton Town. Having just missed out on the playoffs last season there was some consolation when the team won the Wilts Senior Cup after beating neighbours Highworth Town 2-1 in the final.LEE SpALDING: Assistant Manager Profile: Lee joined Marine as Assistant Manager in July 2012 having spent the previous few seasons at Highworth Town, firstly as a player and then as assistant to Dave Webb. After playing at a high level, including time at league sides Swindon Town and Wycombe Wanderers, he began working alongside manager Dave Webb in 2011 when he also took on the coaching role and he’s continued to do so at Marine. Lee left the club for a short spell from February until April 2015 to take time out to obtain his coaching badges and watch his sons play for Bristol City and Swindon Town but now is now in his sixth season with Marine.JAMES WHITLOCk: Goalkeeping Coach Profile: James joined the club during the 2013/14 season and works closely with assistant manager Lee Spalding and the players. He is also a goalkeeping coach at Cirencester Academy. JAMES RUSSELL: Sports Therapist & Fitness Coach Profile: Bristol based James joined Swindon Supermarine in the summer of 2016 and stamped his mark on the team with his knowledge of his role and support of the players. James is looking forward to his second season with the club, a season that will see him play a more active role in the fitness levels of the players as they experience new ideas in training, prematch warm ups and after match recovery sessions. JOSH HILL: Goalkeeper Previous Clubs: Hawkes Bay, Stop Out, Wairapa United, Napier Cyprus (all New Zealand) Profile: Josh joined the club in preseason having been a triallist at Forest Green Rovers. He made his debut in the preseason friendly against Swindon Town at the start of July and after FGR never took up the option to sign Josh he signed for Marine. After receiving his international clearance Josh won his place in the starting eleven and hasn’t looked back since with some excellent displays along the way. He oozes confidence which spreads to the defence in front of him and he is constantly organising them with encouraging instructions. RYAN MORGAN: Defender Previous Clubs: New College Academy Profile: Ryan joined Marine in March 2015 when he left Hellenic League side and Webbswood Stadium tenants New College Academy and made three substitute appearances in the last month of the 2014/15 season. He was still only 16-years-old at the start of last season and was pushing for a regular place in the squad after some impressive performances in the clubs preseason games. After experiencing Southern League football for the first time in 2015/16 he established himself in the left back position last season. Ryan is always looking to get the ball down and play out of defence. He is a solid and hard working defender who will once again gain a lot experience training and playing with the more senior players in the squad.ASH TAYLOR: Defender Previous Clubs: Highworth Town Profile: Ash joined the club in July 2015 from Hellenic League side and neighbours Highworth Town. He is a powerful central defender with good qualities on the ball and makes the step up a division after helping Highworth reach the Semi-Final of the FA Vase in the 2014/15 season. He has practically been the manager’s first choice central defender over the last two seasons and we should see further improvements in this promising defender again this season. MACAULEY DODSON: Defender Previous Clubs: Highworth Town, Chippenham Town, Forest Green Rovers Profile: Macauley joined the club in November 2016 from Chippenham Town who held his Southern League registration although he had been playing recently for Hellenic side Highworth Town on a dual registration. He is a young defender who will hopefully grab his chance in the first team when the opportunity arises this season although he missed the first three months through a calf injury which required surgery.RYAN WOOD: Defender Previous Clubs: Swindon Town Profile: Defender Ryan signed for the club in the summer of 2016 after his release Swindon Town where he had spent the best part of 10 years after joining the club from junior football. Although he signed Southern League forms and played in the preseason friendly against his former club he spent two weeks on trial at Bristol City. He is a commanding defender and although he never made a first team appearance at the Town he was on the bench for their League Cup clash with Chelsea a couple of seasons ago. He is a player that will develop as he plays more regularly and he’ll be looking to step back up the league pyramid given a chance.

zAk WESTLAkE: Defender Previous Clubs: North Leigh, Cirencester Town, Cirencester Academy Profile: Zak joined Swindon Supermarine in the summer of 2016 having spent the previous four seasons with fellow league side North Leigh where he was a regular goalscorer from central defender. Before joining North Leigh he was with Cirencester Academy and Cirencester Town where he made his debut in 2009. He is a good footballer who will often be seen playing the ball out of defence and supporting his teammates in midfield and was made club captain last season. He is dangerous at set pieces and scores the odd goal or two. Zak was on manager Dave Webb’s radar for a couple of seasons previous to signing and he is pleased to have secured his signature once again in 2017/18. He’s experience, grit and determination will always rub off on his teammates, especially the younger players in the squad. JON ELSE: Defender / Midfield Previous Clubs: North Leigh, Cirencester Town Profile: Jon joined Marine in February 2017 from North Leigh having joined them for a second spell just after the start of the season from Cirencester Town. He did sign for Marine from the New College Academy back in 2007 although he never made a start for the club before joining Cirencester Town. He is a versatile player who can anywhere along the back four and also in midfield where he has scored the odd goal or two during his spell at North Leigh.MASON HATHAWAY Defender Previous Clubs: Swindon Town Profile: Mason joined Swindon Town as a schoolboy before he was released in the summer of 2017. He then played for Marine in a few preseason friendlies before signing for the club in July 2017. He will be looking to get as many minutes on the pitch as possible this season as he looks to make a competitive contribution to the team. He will be looking to take every opportunity he gets to establish a place in the team. MATT COUpE Defender Previous Clubs: Cirencester Town, Mangotsfield United, Gloucester City, Bath City, Chippenham Town, Gloucester City, Forest Green Rovers, Aberystwyth, Clevedon Town, Swindon Town Profile: Matt joined the club in the last week of October 2017 from Cirencester Town, having previously played for fellow league side Mangotsfield United last season. He is a vastly experienced central defender who began his career at Swindon Town. He then went on to play for Bath City, Chippenham Town, Gloucester City, as well as Forest Green Rovers, Aberystwyth and Clevedon Town. He is a no-nonsense defender with great organisational skills who leads from the back and will be an inspiration to the younger players in the squad. SAM MORRIS: Midfielder Previous Clubs: Swindon Town, Swindon Supermarine (loan) Profile: Sam first signed for the club on loan from Swindon Town in March 2009 until the end of that 2008/09 season. He then signed permanently in July 2009 after he was released by Swindon Town the previous month. He’s played in his preferred midfield position for Marine but he did make a number of appearances for Swindon Town as a central defender. Former manager Mark Collier was keen to secure Sam’s services before the 2009/10 season and he has since gone on to make over 200 appearances. Sam possesses a great engine to get up and down the pitch and will score the odd goal or two along the way. Although he didn’t start as many games as he would have liked before the 2014/15 season he has subsequently started a lot more in the last two season’s.JOE SHEpHERD: Midfielder / Defender Previous Clubs: Cirencester Town Profile: Joe signed for Marine in the summer of 2014 from the previous season’s champions Cirencester Town. He made nineteen starts and three substitute appearances in their Division One South & West championship-winning side in 2013/14, scoring four goals along the way. Joe is another young Swindon based player who manager Dave Webb was monitoring for sometime before he managed to sign him in July 2014. Joe is a box to box midfield player who can also play in defence; he has a great engine and a knack of scoring a vital goal or two along the way. CONNOR THOMpSON: Midfielder / Striker Previous Clubs: Gloucester City, Cirencester Town (loan), Baltimore Bohemians USA Profile: Connor signed on January 2nd 2016 after he was released by National Conference North side Gloucester City at the end of December 2015. He began his career at Hartpury College before going to the USA to further his academic and football career with Baltimore Bohemians. He then returned to the UK in 2014 and signed for Gloucester City. During his time with Gloucester he had a short loan spell with Cirencester Town at the start of the 2015/16 season. Connor is an attaching midfield player with good technical skills and a player whose signature was sort by a number of clubs after his release was announced by Gloucester City. SAM MORRIS: Midfielder Previous Clubs: Swindon Town, Swindon Supermarine (loan) Profile: Sam first signed for the club on loan from Swindon Town in March 2009 until the end of that 2008/09 season. He then signed permanently in July 2009 after he was released by Swindon Town the previous month. He’s played in his preferred midfield position for Marine, but he did make a number of appearances for Swindon Town as a central defender. Former manager Mark Collier was keen to secure Sam’s services before the 2009/10 season and he has since gone on to make over 200 appearances. Sam possesses a great engine to get up and down the pitch and will score the odd goal or two along the way. Although he didn’t start as many games as he would have liked before the 2014/15 season he has subsequently started a lot more in the last two seasons.

Swindon Supermarine pen picS continued

BRAD HOOpER: Midfielder Previous Clubs: Cirencester Town, Cirencester Academy Profile: Brad joined Swindon Supermarine in the summer of 2016 having spent the previous seasons with neighbours Cirencester Town where he was a regular in their side over the previous two seasons. He made over 100 appearances for the Centurions having started in the Cirencester Academy sides. He is another player who was on manager Dave Webb’s radar over the previous two seasons. He is a precocious talent, skilful on the ball with an eye for a pass as he likes to keep the ball on the floor. He made the central midfield role his own at Cirencester in 2015/16 and he did the same last season at Marine and also scored 15 goals along the way.HARRISON BENNETT: Midfielder Previous Clubs: Reading Profile: Harrison finally signed for Marine at the end of October 2017 after playing in a number of preseason friendlies for the club a couple of months earlier. He didn’t sign in the summer due to personal reasons but has now decided to after discussions with manager Dave Webb. Until earlier this year Harrison was at Reading having spent ten years there from s schoolboy until his release earlier in May 2017. He is an accomplished footballer whose preferred position is in midfield, but he can equally in defence. The management team are very confident he will regain his desire and hunger for the game after his disappointment in the summer and go on to be an inspirational signing for Marine. ANTONIO GERRISH: Midfielder Previous Clubs: Royal Wootton Bassett Town, New College Academy Profile: Antonio is a young midfield player that has come through the New College Academy system and is currently on a dual registration with Hellenic League side Royal Wootton Bassett Town. He was recalled to Marine in November when a run of injuries gave him the opportunity to join the squad. He took his opportunity when he came on against Winchester City in mid-November and put in a solid performance. RYAN CAMpBELL: Midfielder / Winger Previous Clubs: Chippenham Town, Chippenham Park Profile: Ryan lives in Calne and signed for Marine at the end of December 2016 from Chippenham Town where he had spent the previous two seasons having joined then from their nursery side Chippenham Park. He is an attacking left sided player with a sweet left foot. He will look to cement a regular place in the team this season. JOE SELMAN: Midfielder / Winger Previous Clubs: Bristol City Academy Profile: Joe joined Swindon Supermarine in July 2016 after being released by Bristol City at the end of the 2015/16 season. He made his Marine debut in the friendly again Swindon Town and a couple of solid performances in the following friendlies persuaded manager Dave Webb to sign him on Southern League forms. It was a successful first season for the young player having made a total of 32 starts, 12 substitute appearances and scored 6 goals. Joe can play either on the right side of midfield or further forward and likes nothing better than going forward to take on the opposing defence. He is a technically gifted player who will be looking to further establish himself as the first name down on the team sheet.JOSH pARSONS: Striker Previous Clubs: Cirencester Town Hungerford Town, Swindon Supermarine, Hungerford Town, Swindon Supermarine, Highworth Town, Shrivenham Town, Swindon Town. Profile: Josh returned to Marine for his third spell in mid-November 2015 from Cirencester Town for whom he joined from Hungerford Town just after the start of the 2014/15 season. He first signed for the club from Highworth Town in July 2012, following his manager Dave Webb to the Webbswood Stadium. Josh then departed for his first spell Hungerford Town at the start of the 2013/14 season but by November 2013 he had returned to Marine and remained until the end of that season. At the conclusion of both seasons he was with the club, he helped us reach the Semi-Final of the playoffs in both the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons only to lose to Merthyr Town on both occasions. At the start of the 2014/15 season he rejoined Hungerford Town but after a short while into the season he signed for Cirencester Town from where he has rejoined Supermarine for a third time in November 2015. GEORGE kELLOW: Striker Previous Clubs: Bridgwater Town (loan), Weston-super-Mare, Bristol City Profile: Bristol based he joined the club in the summer of 2017 after a successful preseason. He previous club was Weston-super-Mare for whom he signed for last season although he was loaned out to Bridgwater Town for a spell. He was previously on the books of Bristol City where he came through their Academy setup. AARON WOODLEY: Striker Previous Clubs: North Leigh, Abingdon United, Banbury United, Oxford City, Oxford United Profile: Aaron lives in Didcot, Oxfordshire and has played all his football in the same County until his move to Marine from fellow league side North Leigh in the summer of 2017. He is a highly skilled player who can play in a variety of positions and made 3 appearances for Oxford United after spending his early years at their Academy. After leaving United he had spells at their neighbours Oxford City, Banbury United and Abingdon United before joining North Leigh. GEORGE BELL: Striker Previous Clubs: Hartpury College, North Ferriby United Profile: Hull based George joined the club in November 2017 during in his studies at Hartpury College (Gloucestershire) having previously played for North Ferriby United in Hull. The 19-year-old central striker looks to be a good signing for the club as he gets accustomed to playing in the Southern League. A willing and a hard-working player who will give the team another dimension when he plays. He made his debut in November 2017 at Winchester City.

Swindon Supermarine pen picS continued

THE HISTORY OFSHORTWOOD UNITED

Shortwood United Football Club was formed in 1900 and since then have played at 4 different grounds, Nailsworth Playing Field, Table Land, Wallow Green and finally at our current ground, Meadowbank.

The club has been at Meadowbank since 1972, and includes an all weather training area opened by the late Ted Croker. Gradual improvements over the years culminated in a major enhancement in 2009 to meet ground grading criteria for any future promotions.

League football was commenced in the Stroud League where following continued success during the 1970s promotion was gained to the Northern Senior and then the Gloucestershire County League.Promotion to the Hellenic league was achieved in 1981 only to be relegated in our first season but finishing runners up the following year ensured promotion straight back. In 1983 we won the Hellenic Division One Cup and GFA Trophy and in the following year won the Hellenic League. It was a further

six years until success was realised again when the treble of League winners, GFA Trophy and Stroud Charity Cup was completed.

The 2007/08 season started a resurgence in Shortwood’s fortunes in finishing 5th in the league and winning the supplementary cup, defeating Ardley 4-2 in the final. The subsequent season pushed our success even further when following a good run in the FA Cup and semi finalists in the League Cup, we pressed the eventual Champions Hungerford to the final day of the season where we lost out on goal difference after amassing 99 pts and scoring 99 goals. Shortwood’s fine form continued into the next season when they again finished second in the league to Almondsbury, and runners up in the GFA Trophy again to Almondsbury, had good FA Cup and Vase runs and reached the final of the Floodlit cup. Having lost the away leg 3-0 to Reading Town they produced one of the most exciting comebacks and entertaining matches ever seen at Meadowbank where the score remained at 0-0 till the 67th minute when

the deadlock was broken and Shortwood ran out 5-0 winners (AET).

Shortwood’s league campaign in 2011 was a disappointment by their own high standards, but more silverware was added in the shape of the GFA Trophy after a 1-0 win over Tuffley Rovers in the final.

2011-12 season, however, was pivotal in the Club’s history! Not only did they reach the quarter final of the FA Vase, they also reached the final of the Hellenic League Floodlit Cup and the GFA Trophy Final.Most important was their league position where they finished 2nd by 1 point behind Oxford City Nomads. With Nomad’s not applying for promotion, and with Shortwood filling all the relevant criteria, they were promoted to the Southern League for the first time in their history!

The 2012-13 season was again a successful one. Following a disappointing early exit from the FA cup the club had a good run in the FA Trophy including a

magnificent away victory at premier league side Weymouth on the way. In their first season in the Southern League they finished a creditable eighth position.

The 2013-14 season saw Shortwood progress further in the FA Cup than ever before! Early wins over Egham and Aylesbury put them up against Conference South outfit Dorchester and a 1-0 away win, and a further 1-0 win at Didcot put them into uncharted waters of the fourth qualifying round where they drew Conference side Aldershot at Meadowbank. A late, but deserved, equaliser gave them a replay and a heroic 2-1 win sparked wild celebrations. A home draw pitted Shortwood against League 1 side Port Vale in front of a record crowd of 1,247 plus a live television audience courtesy of BT Sport. Shortwood bowed out – but with the plaudits their cup run earned ringing in their ears.

The league season was also highly successful with a sixth placed finish, one point outside the play-off positions.

2014-15 failed to reach the heights of the previous season with many players

moving on to higher things but for most of the season a play-off place looked possible until a decline in form towards the end of the season resulted in an 11th place finish.

2015 -16 continued Shortwood’s continued stability in the Southern League as they finished the season 7th in the table with 78 points and the end of the season saw the end of an era as joint Manager John Evans retired after 20

seasons involvement with Shortwood – and the club movedforward with Alex Sykes now in sole charge. 2016-17 Was a strange season with the Wood exiting the FA Cup and the FA Trophy at the first hurdle and showing inconsistent league form but despite that they managed to finish a more than respectable 9th. Paul ‘Des’ Meredith took over the management reins at the start of season 2017-18.

evo-Stik League TableShortwood United vs Swindon Supermarine

pl HW HD HL AW AD AL W D L F A Diff pts AdjTaunton Town 16 5 0 1 7 3 0 12 3 1 38 18 20 39 0Bristol Manor Farm 19 4 4 1 6 1 3 10 5 4 46 32 14 35 0Winchester City 19 5 1 4 5 2 2 10 3 6 39 30 9 33 0Bideford 16 5 1 3 5 1 1 10 2 4 33 21 12 32 0Swindon Supermarine 16 7 1 1 3 1 3 10 2 4 27 19 8 32 0Wimborne Town 18 5 1 3 4 2 3 9 3 6 39 26 13 30 0AFC Totton 17 6 1 1 3 2 4 9 3 5 29 16 13 30 0Didcot Town 18 6 1 2 3 2 4 9 3 6 35 34 1 30 0Salisbury 16 2 4 2 6 1 1 8 5 3 42 18 24 29 0Evesham United 19 3 2 4 5 3 2 8 5 6 30 28 2 29 0Kidlington 16 3 5 1 4 2 1 7 7 2 31 19 12 28 0Yate Town 19 2 4 4 3 3 3 5 7 7 35 38 -3 22 0Larkhall Athletic 17 2 3 4 4 0 4 6 3 8 32 31 1 21 0North Leigh 17 5 1 3 1 2 5 6 3 8 28 30 -2 21 0Slimbridge 18 1 1 7 4 3 2 5 4 9 28 49 -21 19 0Cinderford Town 16 2 4 3 2 2 3 4 6 6 27 25 2 18 0Paulton Rovers 17 3 1 4 2 2 5 5 3 9 24 33 -9 18 0Cirencester Town 17 1 1 5 3 3 4 4 4 9 25 35 -10 16 0Shortwood United 15 2 1 5 2 2 3 4 3 8 23 42 -19 15 0Barnstaple Town 17 1 2 6 2 2 4 3 4 10 27 42 -15 13 0Mangotsfield United 18 2 2 4 1 2 7 3 4 11 19 39 -20 13 0Bishops Cleeve 19 1 1 7 0 1 9 1 2 16 16 48 -32 5 0

Saturday 09th Dec 17 Bideford * a 15.00 GFA CupTuesday 12th Dec 17 kidlington h 19.45 SL S&WSaturday 16th Dec 17 Bristol Manor Farm h 15.00 SL S&WWednesday 20th Dec 17 Larkhall a 19.45 SL S&WSaturday 23rd Dec 17 Winchester * a 15.00 SL S&WTuesday 26th Dec 17 Slimbridge h 15.00 SL S&WMonday 01st Jan 18 Evesham a 15.00 SL S&WSaturday 06th Jan 18 Didcot h 15.00 SL S&WTuesday 09th Jan 18 Cirencester a 19.45 SL S&W

FOrThCOmiNG FiXTUreSFirst Team

DevelopmentSaturday 16th Dec 17 Bourton Rovers a 14.15 HLDiv 1WSaturday 23th Dec 17 kidlington a 15.00 HLDiv 1WSaturday 06th Jan 17 Headington a 14.15 HLDiv 1W

Keep in touch@ShortwoodUtdFC and/or @JimCunneen if you have twitter

If you are not twitter minded then just send a text to 07714661797 with your name, and ADD ME and you will be added to the Wood Text Distribution list.

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SL S&W 2nd January 2017

Shortwood United 1 Paulton Rovers 3

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SL S&W 28th January 2017

AFC Totton 2 Shortwood United 0Shortwood’s performance against fellow strugglers Mangotsfield followed the same pattern as virtually every game so far this season, as a second half recovery from a poor first period gave the home side a much-needed win. An unnecessary incident five minutes from full time provoked three straight red cards, resulting in the suspension of important Wood regulars Alex Kibble and Ryan Thwaite. Paul Meredith said, “At half time, because we weren’t penetrating enough in the first half, Burnsy (assistant manager Chris Burns) suggested we changed it about a little and see if we could be more of an attacking threat. We stretched their back three and got down the sides, which created more opportunities for us. It was a big three points for us today.”Mangotsfield created several half-chances in the first half, but poor finishing more often than not let them down. Midway through the half, Williams’ cross from the left was met by Simpson, but he miss-hit his volley well wide. Six minutes later, Allen could only scuff his shot into the ground from seven or-so yards, after some good work by Hobbs on the right. Shortwood’s one attack of note came with just under ten minutes to play in the half, as White’s cross was cleared to Aliu, but his goal-bound shot was well blocked. A last ditch Thwaite block denied Simpson, who appeared to have only Burton to beat, just before half time, before, moments later, Simpson saw his shot deflected into the path of Warren, but he was stretching as he fired over from the middle of the box. Ed Weeks, formerly of Shortwood, came very close to giving Mangotsfield the lead on the stroke of half time, but his header only connected with the cross bar following Williams’ corner.

The away side started on top once again in the second half, with Burton forced into a good save from Ricketts (although the shot was probably drifting wide), two minutes after the restart. A Jones cross was met by Simpson a minute later, but the forward seemed to shy away from heading the ball properly, as he was possibly worried by clashing with Burton, and the ball floated just over. With an hour played, Haswell got forward on the left for Shortwood, and his cross found Freeman, but his improvised header bounced just wide. Five minutes later, Shortwood scored with the only real chance they created; a fine switch from Kibble was met by Humphreys behind the Mangotsfield defence, and he guided a rebound into an empty net after his first shot was saved by the onrushing Dorrington. Five minutes from full time, Mangotsfield substitute Simon Gilbert and Thwaite had a coming together after the ball had gone out for a throw-in, which prompted almost every outfield player to run over and involve themselves in the resulting fracas. This resulted in straight red cards for Gilbert, Thwaite and Kibble, but Mangotsfield were unable to take advantage of their extra man in the final moments, and Shortwood held out for a needed, but perhaps not entirely deserved, win.

George Burton, Ashley Davies (Joe Noakes 55’), Ryan Thwaite, Tristan Haswell, Alex kibble, Joe White (Samyan Ismail 80’) Nick Humphreys, Bakare Aliu, Jack Freeman, Liam Meredith, Jordan Morris (Will Hawes 89)

By Harry Ash

MatchReport

Southern League South, West divisionTHREE VITAL pOINTS

Shortwood United 1 mangotsfield United 0

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SL S&W 28th January 2017

AFC Totton 2 Shortwood United 0“That first half was about as perfect a performance as I have ever seen. We were superb! We might have added a couple in the second as well but we never stopped running or closing them down! Jake Parrott was everywhere and was my man of the match!” So said a delighted John Evans after his side put together a 5 star performance at Meadowbank on Tuesday evening. After dropping 2 points against the Wood on Saturday Marine desperately needed 3 points to maintain their title ambitions but were rocked by Shortwood’s first half three goal salvo. The game was fast, fluid and full of enterprise with both sides playing excellent football and with the exception of one awful challenge played in superb spirit. Supermarine more than played their part but Shortwood never stopped harrying and chased everything down – nothing was a lost cause. Jake Parrott orchestrated everything and the whole side followed his lead. The defence was solid, the midfield tireless and up front Langworthy and Bohane were commendable.The opening stages were even but by the 15th minute Shortwood were beginning to show a glimpse of what was to come as Tustain had a shot blocked and Kauppinen had to react quickly to deny Bohane. After 21 minutes Parrott whipped in a free kick and Kauppinen came to claim but Axton got their first and headed home. Shortwood mounted the pressure and Supermarine were given no room and a second goal was no surprise. With 35 minutes gone Langworthy knocked the ball down to Parrott who pushed the ball through to Bohane. Bohane’s run was perfect and he smacked

the ball past Kauppinen and just inside the post. Things got even better for Shortwood just before the break. Langworthy’s cross was headed back across goal by Tustain and Haddock headed the ball home bravely as the keeper came out to collect.Early in the second half Langworthy’s fierce cross shot just needed a touch but Marine showed they were not completely out of it as Edenborough flashed a shot inches from the angle and Hilder stung Tom King’s hands. Tom King launched the ball long and as the defence hesitated Langworthy raced through only to completely miss his kick. Langworthy then had one effort saved by the keeper and another blocked before Marine boss Dave Webb made a triple substitution with 25 minutes to go. Chris Taylor smacked King’s bar from 20 yards and Prictor curled a shot into King’s chest. There was no let-up in the excellent football as both sides served up rich entertainment and Bohane was extremely unlucky to see one effort diverted for a corner from Slack’s driven low cross.The only sour note came five minutes from the end when a poor two footed lunge from behind on Bohane was only punished by a yellow card.Once again Shortwood showed that they are a match for anyone in this division and when they are in this frame of mind as good as the best.

Team: king, Brown, Axton, pritchett, Coates, Haddock, Tustain, parrott, Langworthy (Slack 75), Bohane (Bevan 86), Bennett

MetBefore

April 2013

The evostik Southern League Division One South & West Super Shortwood Scupper Supermarine!

Shortwood United 3 Swindon Supermarine 0

SL S&W 28th January 2017

AFC Totton 2 Shortwood United 0

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Clubhouse and Social: (01453) 833936 email shortwoodfc@btinternet.comFootball Secretary Mark Webb 07812842724

Treasurer Paul Benneyworth 07976357093 email shortwoodfc@btinternet.comPress Officer Jim Cunneen 07714661797 email jimcunneen1951@btinternet.com

Football Club Website www.pitchero.com/clubs/shortwoodunited/Meadowbank, Shortwood, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire GL6 0SJ

Programme editor: Paul Benneyworth (email shortwoodfc@btinternet.com)Match photographs courtesy of Brian Rossiter and match reports by Jim Cunneen

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2016 - 2017

Clubhouse and Social: (01453) 833936 email shortwoodfc@btinternet.comFootball Secretary Mark Webb 07812 842724

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