The sun set over Walsall Wood to some disappointment – the home team lost 2-0. Image by David Evans.
Following yesterday’s home match, where Walsall Wood FC faced Westfields FC at Oak Park, the Young David Evans submitted the following report:
Walsall Wood versus Westfields, Saturday 5th October 2013
Baker Joiner Midland Football Alliance
Westfield 2 Walsall Wood 0
The dark, rain-filled clouds and grey, soulless sky were perhaps an omen. We attended Oak Park and witnessed a football match played with a larger measure of the dogged determination than individual flair by the Wood, whose opponents seemed to be adept in taking advantage of most things seen and unseen.
This eventually brought an official word from the referee, who was ably assisted by experienced linesmen in what became a difficult and disjointed game. Even the Away Bench needed to be ‘spoken to’ at one point by one of the Men in Black.
Whether this was a deliberate tactic, a veiled attempt to put pressure on the officials, or just exuberance is surely a matter of conjecture.
Westfield scored twice, and both were well deserved goals achieved through accurate passing, good off-the ball running, and it has to be said, a certain measure of sailing close to the wind at times. Walsall Wood, incredulously, missed two open goals, to the chagrin of team mates who had succeeded in breaking through the occasionally flailing legs and arms of their opponents to present the ideal scoring chances.
The second half brought yellow cards for dissent and unacceptable tactics by the visiting team, which continued slightly abated. This behaviour culminated in the Westfields goalkeeper tackling a Walsall Wood breakaway attacking player with the finesse and dexterity one would normally only expect from a bulldozer. The goalkeeper was allowed to stay on to defend the penalty, which Walsall Wood subsequently missed.
The supportive team spirit will overcome the disappointment of today and surely spur Walsall Wood on, and the experience gained today in this first encounter with the team from Hereford will help to refine and perfect their skills and match tactics in future games.
Sad that the Woodmen couldn’t pull it out of the bag, but that’s football for you. Thanks to David for the report.
Next fixture is against Alvechurch, again at Oak Park, next Saturday, 12th October 2013. Kickoff 3pm.