Oak Park – scene of both magic and loss. Better luck next year, lads!

Walsall Wood FC were well back in their stride at Oak Park last night, as the beat Coventry Sphinx FC in an entertaining match that saw yet another 90 minutes of wonderfully solid football.

Now the weather seems to be clearing, do get out and support the Woodmen – their gate take has been non existent so far this year, and with footy this great on your doorstep for such a small ticket price, you’d be mad not to go see them and experience the fantastic atmosphere at this historic club.

Walsall Wood are a good team and an excellent, community-spirited club. They need our support.

Bill Shaw submitted the following match report:

Hi Bob

WalsallWood FC 2 v 1 Coventry Sphinx FC

Wood continued their unbeaten run with a hard fought victory against a resilient Sphinx side. Skipper Lee Stretton had fired Wood ahead on 29 minutes scoring form close range after a clever knock back from Gavin Saunders (making his home debut). ‘Stretts’ turned provider 5 minutes later, winning the ball on halfway before his cleverly flighted ball over the away defence saw Harry Harris read the pass to perfection, superbly collect the ball in his stride and score with an exquisite chip over the stranded keeper.

The visitors tried hard to get back into the game but resolute defending and a couple of great saves from Raj Gill kept the lead intact, until on 73 minutes a long throw in from the left saw Ashley Wilks pounce to force the ball home from close range. Gill pulled off a stunning full stretch save from a Wilks free kick from 20 yards 5 minutes later but Wood held out and 3 minutes from time could have increased their lead when Craig Hancox raced into the left of the box and fired just over the far angle.

So it’s the wilds of Hereford on Saturday for Wood at Westfields, before  visiting Heath Hayes on Tuesday night (4th March).

Bill Shaw.

As ever, thanks to Bill for the report – always appreciated – for The Good of the Wood!