Media Watch - Shortwood United

Derby draw a fair result says Evans
The Citizen

HONOURS were even in the first Southern League meeting of Shortwood United and Cirencester Town with the Meadowbank pitch the only loser from the Boxing Day derby.

Such was the damage to the surface at Shortwood's home ground that boss John Evans is not holding out much hope of tomorrow's game against Merthyr Town going ahead.

A typically competitive derby may have afforded entertainment to the supporters who were looking to digest their turkey, but it was the carving of mud and grass that gave Evans cause for concern.

"There was no problem with the game going ahead because the pitch was certainly fit for play," Evans said. "But it did cut up really badly towards the end because of all the rain and with the forecast it looks doubtful for Saturday."

Evans was largely happy with the performance against Cirencester, saying the general consensus from both camps was that a draw was a fair result. The point from the 0-0 draw means Wood extend their current run of good form, although their manager joked he would have to change his wording a little.

"It's a shame but instead of saying we've won five in a row, I now have to say we're unbeaten in six," he said. "But in all honesty a draw was a fair result. We had a few chances to win it and thought we had scored one only for the linesman to see it differently. But I am sure if you were to ask Brian Hughes he will feel as I do that a point was just about the right result in the end."

One blow to Evans is an ankle injury picked up by recent recruit TJ Bohane, a knock that could keep the striker out of tomorrow's clash and the New Year's Day trip to Yate.

"TJ rolled his ankle and it looks a sore one and it makes him a real doubt for the Merthyr game," Evans said. "But we had John Cant, Tim Haddock and Matt Bennett back on the bench on Boxing Day and got some football into their legs which will certainly help us out."

Weather forecast for Gloucestershire not particularly good for today or tomorrow.

Friday
Outbreaks of rain, heavy at times, through the day, although limited brighter spells are possible.

Saturday
Persistent rain moving gradually east, clearing eastern parts late in the afternoon.

Shortwood Delight at Bohane Return
Gloucester Citizen

Shortwood United could not have hoped for a better start to life in the Evo-Stik League Division One South & West, according to boss John Evans. Last week's 2-1 win at Winchester City lifted Wood into ninth in the table - their highest-ever league position.

In striking distance of the play-off positions and on a fantastic run of form ahead of tomorrow's trip to Wimborne Town, Evans could not be happier with his lot as they approach the hectic festive fixture schedule.

"The last few weeks has seen a massive difference in our attitude, we believe we are now good enough to be in this league," Evans said. "We're exactly where we hoped we would be coming up to the Christmas period and now hopefully we can kick on. We couldn't have dreamed for a better start as we had a really, really tough opening run of fixtures where we had to play five of the top six away from home. They've all got to come to our place in the second half of the season and that gives us confidence."

Another reason for the increased confidence is the re-signing of prolific striker TJ Bohane from Swindon Supermarine. The left-footed forward helped Wood claim promotion from the Uhlsport Hellenic League last term, but joined `Marine for the new season.

However, Evans has played a patient game and was delighted to ink his name on the team sheet again last week.

"It's great to have TJ back, he's a goalscorer who will give us good options at the front of the team," Evans said. "He and Luke Gullick looked good together. Hopefully they can form a good partnership."