SHORTWOOD stretched their unbeaten run and climbed to sixth after they won 3-1 at Bicester.

They would have won by a cricket score but for the performance of Town keeper Tom McNamara who made a succession of outstanding saves.

Wood played fast, fluent, football and fully utilised the space they were given. Matt Collins and Ben Pugh attacked down the flanks and sent over a succession of dangerous crosses and there was no let up for Bicester after Pugh was substituted as Victor Webb took his place and also tormented the home defence.

Shortwood will be disappointed to have conceded a sloppy goal in the second half that allowed Bicester a small chance of gaining something from the game before a late goal finally killed the match off.

Wood poured forward from the start and McNamara started his afternoons work - diving bravely at the feet of the onrushing Collins and James Baldwin as they raced to get on the end of Rich Evans’ deflected low cross. The first goal was not long in coming, however.

After nine minutes Pugh sent over an inswinging corner which was headed straight back to him. His second attempt found Evans who headed powerfully home. Collins and Evans made a swift interchange of passes to set up Pete Smith but he could not wrap his foot round the shot and McNamara made a fine save to tip Luke Bennyworth’s header round the post.

Wood doubled their lead after 26 minutes. Bennyworth supplied the cross and Smith supplied the finish - heading home from 10 yards.

Thomas had to make his first save after 30 minutes to deal with Hemmings’ long range shot but the rest of the half was played around the Bicester goal with McNamara excelling himself with a fine double save from Pugh and then Baldwin before the ball was cleared by some desperate defending.

Bicester came out for the second half in more determined mood and the opening minutes were far more even. Godor shot just over for the hosts and Matt Green headed just wide for the visitors. McNamara repeated his first half exploit with a double save from Alex Allard and then Evans and Green’s effort was cleared off the line.

Wood continued to look for the third goal but it was Bicester who scored with fourteen minutes to go. Umney burst through the middle and shot low.

Thomas could only half stop the effort and Williams followed up to score.

McNamara’s defiance was broken with seven minutes to go. Webb sent over another corner and Bennyworth flicked the ball on. Smith’s strong header was superbly turned away by McNamara but he was powerless to prevent Matt Green firing home the rebound.

Shortwood: Thomas, Cornwall, Allard (Coates 81), Bennyworth, Mammola, Smith, Casey, Baldwin (Matt Green 55), Collins, Evans, Pugh (Webb 65).

Wood welcome Marlow on Saturday(3pm).