Calor League

Shortwood Utd 4
(Pritchett 37, 47, Culley 45, Haddock 59)
Didcot Tn 1
(Joyce 64)

A NEW-LOOK Didcot started their Division 1 South & West season unimpressively as they crumbled to a heavy defeat at Shortwood.

The Railwaymen’s defence, in particular, requires urgent attention as the hosts’ tally could have easily soared towards double figures if it was not for wayward finishing and a couple of outstanding saves from keeper Gareth Tucker.

Shortwood took the lead when Mark Pritchett stooped low to head home at the far post, Didcot protesting fruitlessly that he had converted with his arm.

The hosts doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time.

John Cant’s cross from the left found Duncan Culley unmarked and Didcot’s sloppy defending was punished by a simple header into the far corner.

Next, Pritchett slammed a free-kick from just outside the penalty area into the bottom corner.

On the hour mark three became four as gaping holes in Didcot’s backline were exploited by Tim Haddock.

The Shortwood frontman was able to advance to the 18-yard line before beating Tucker with a precise finish.

Substitute Louis Joyce pulled a goal back with a composed header from Jermaine Ferreira’s cross.

Pablo Haysham’s pace also caused Shortwood problems, while Tucker saved a penalty from Jake Parrott.

Didcot’s misery was complete when Joel Meade was red carded for a rash challenge on James Baldwin.

Didcot: Tucker, Cottrell, Janes, Meade, Carnell, Morris (McKirnan 71), Ferreira, Williams (McMahon 65), Blenford (Joyce 52), Haysham, Thorne. Subs not used: Halls, Cattell.

Attendance: 103.