Hellenic League Premier Division Shortwood United 3 Shrivenham 0 SHORTWOOD climbed to third after a comfortable victory over Swindon-based Shrivenham at Meadowbank on Saturday.

Goals from Kacey Johnstone, Matt Collins and Ross Casey pushed the Nailsworth side closer to the top.

Earlier, Shrivenham came to Meadowbank in an attacking mood and after Victor Webb had an early shot saved by Alford the visitors gave Wood a real scare after only six minutes. Gill put Thomas in and Rich Thomas had to be quickly off his line to block his shot.

Will Steadman then had to stretch to take the ball just off the head of Gill as he was about close in on goal. Shrivenham certainly made the brighter start and Gill shot against the outside of the post before Shortwood started to settle and play.

Superb control from Kacey Johnstone set up James Baldwin for a low shot that just passed the post while Webb and Collins, who were both excellent, caused Shrivenham problems down the flanks.

Wood started to dominate and Ross Casey had a header scrambled away and only a last ditch tackle from Scanlon denied Johnstone.

Wood were on top now and it was no surprise when Shortwood took the lead after 37 minutes. Delightful passing from Webb and Baldwin led to Johnstone putting Collins through and he ran on before shooting low past Alford - his first goal for the club.

It could have been even better for Wood as they had two excellent shouts for penalties tuned down as Collins was apparently hauled down and then Webb appeared to be pushed over as he went for a cross. Casey and Baldwin both went close while Thomas had to race from his area to head bravely away from Gill as he chased a long ball in a rare breakaway.

The second goal came after 41 minutes. Webb went down the left flank and beat two defenders before laying a pin point cross onto the head of Johnstone who headed home from six yards.

Just before the break Steadman played a one - two with Baldwin and raced the length of the pitch but his low cross was cut out just before it reached the unmarked Johnstone.

Wood scored the third, and final, goal after 49 minutes. Ben Pugh took a long throw and Shrivenham were too slow to react as Casey flicked a header across goal and just inside the far post. Shortwood were awarded a penalty after Webb was hauled back after 56 minutes but Alford dived to his left to keep out Cornwall’s effort. Referee Burns awarded a retake, however, for encroachment but Alford would not be denied. This time he took off to the right to deny Cornwall again.

Thomas ensured his third successive clean sheet, saving well from Cox in the last minute.

Afterwards John Evans said: “Once again we needed the first goal but after that we settled. I am pleased with yet another clean sheet and another three goals.

“Victor Webb was outstanding today and just shaded Matt Collins for man of the match.”

Shortwood : Thomas, Cornwall, Allard (Bennett 64), Steadman, Mammola, Webb, Casey, Baldwin, Collins (Evans 75), Johnstone (Hoskins 67), Pugh.