Merthyr Town 2

Shortwood Utd 2

SHORTWOOD snatched a surprise point from the jaws of defeat at high-flying Merthyr Town last night.

Merthyr incredibly threw away a two- goal lead in the final three minutes of this game, which denied them the opportunity to move into second place in the Southern League South and West division.

Shortwood co-manager John Evans was delighted with the result.

He said: “Our two late goals sum up the spirit in this squad and go some way in repaying the late goals Merthyr have inflicted on us over the last few years.”

Seemingly coasting to victory courtesy of goals from Kerry Morgan and former Southampton striker Kayne Mclaggon, a mistake by Martyrs defender Jarrad Wright on 90 minutes allowed Shortwood's Jake Lee to steal in and give the visitors a lifeline.

And, with virtually the last kick of the game a deep cross from Nick Hancock was volleyed home by Phil Veal at the far post However, Merthyr can only have themselves to blame after totally dominating the initial 90 minutes.

Ian Traylor set up the opener for the home side on 34 minutes before a mazy run and shot to the near post from Mclaggon seemed to settle the outcome 11 minutes from time.

SHORTWOOD: King, Rawlings, Humphreys, Veal, Thomas A, Lee, Hancock, Egan (Bennett 61), Sommers (Haddock 65), Price (Thomas M 74), Langworthy.

Subs not used: Sykes, Herbert.

Star Men: Phil Veal and Nick Humphries.

Shortwood will face Bath City in the FA Cup third qualifying round after the Conference outfit defeated Southern Premier Division leaders Poole Town 2-0 last night.

Shortwood’s win against Oxford City on Saturday earned the Nailsworth side £4,000 in prize money and they will have the chance to net a further £7,500 when they travel to Bath in the next round on Saturday, October 11.