The Wood had at least one near miss. Picture supplied by David Evans.

Before a large crowd of supporters and a coach load of away fans, Walsall Wood FC bravely, but ultimately unsuccessfully fought Stafford Rangers on Saturday afternoon (30th August 2014), to be eventually beaten 3-0.

Bad luck lads. There’s also a match review by the wonderful Vimes on his ‘I see floodlights’ blog with additional pics and commentary.

Bill Shaw submitted the following match report:

Hiya Bob,

Walsall Wood 0 v 3 Stafford Rangers

The last time these two teams met in the FA Cup was 27 years ago – it finished Walsall Wood 0 v 3 Stafford Rangers.

Fast forward to 2014, obviously personnel have changed but the result was the same. This time the Wood just couldn’t Cope with Daniel.

A hotshot Daniel Cope scored a hat-trick, a tap in after 13 minutes, a bullet header on 30 and a calm, composed low drive on 66 minutes.

The match never really went Walsall Wood’s way. Image supplied by David Evans.

Wood never gave up trying but Neil Kitching’s side looked composed under pressure whilst Walsall Wood, already missing last season’s leading scorer Harry Harris through suspension then lost midfield dynamo Anthony Juxon with a hamstring injury just before the second goal, leaving them with a real mountain to climb.

Rangers continue on the road to Wembley in the flagship competition, for Wood it’s the FA Vase when next Saturday they visit Malvern Town, with the winners facing a home tie with Pershore Town on Saturday October 4th.

Bill Shaw.

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

With the new season well underway, do get out and support the Woodmen – 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.

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