Bothe teams took a point in a somewhat dull game. `Image from Rocester FC website.

Walsall Wood FC were away at Rocester yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 11th October 2014), and were somewhat sadly, roundly trounced by the boys from JCB.

Bill Shaw, as ever, was there to witness the match. I’d just like to say that this report typifies why I love publishing Bill’s work, and why I feel so proud of Walsall Wood FC. Even in defeat, he is generous, honest and good huoured to the opposition.

Respect.

Bill sent this report:

Hiya Bob,

After the euphoria of Tuesday night at Loughborough, Walsall Wood were brought crashing back to earth at bottom club Rocester, who had a new management team making their home debut, together with 9 new players. They gave notice that they are going to be a very different proposition from now on and will soon be climbing away from the basement area.

Rocester 2 v 0 Walsall Wood

Apart from two headers from dead ball situations in the 5th and 19th minutes from Anthony Juxon, the first just wide and the second well saved at the foot of the post, Wood found it extremely difficult to break down a well organised, resolute defence. These were a defence who almost every time Wood attacked, pulled almost everyone quickly back behind the ball. It did nothing for the game as a spectacle, but as when Swanny took over at the Wood two and a half years ago, desperate situations call for desperate measures.

It was a toss up who was man of the match for the Romans, Josh Williams worked tirelessly up front and lead the line superbly, his ability in the air gave Wood defenders a torrid afternoon and I think he was beaten just once all afternoon. He was ably supported by ex Port Vale regular, veteran Wayne Corden (42 was mentioned) whose close control, awareness and crossing ability kept the Wood defence on red alert every time he was on the ball.

It was this pair who combined on 23 minutes for the first goal, Corden making space on the left before crossing into the box for Williams to glance a header across Mario Kisiel & into the far corner of the net. When Nick Ward headed the second on 65 minutes it was all over as Wood never looked like breaking down a hard working blanket defence.

The Wood lads almost did break the stranglehold on 85 minutes however when Craig Deakin crossed low from the right only for Harry Harris and Joey Butlin to get in each other’s way and keeper Froggatt had a simple pick up.

It’s a bit of a rest and a chance to regroup for Walsall Wood before Coventry Sphinx are the visitors on Saturday.

Some good news to end with, hot off the press comes the news that popular central defender Shawn Boothe has had a change of heart on his retirement and will be back in contention for next Saturday. Welcome back Boothie.

Not hte result we expected, but remember this team is still very young and you can’t put an old head on young shoulders. Knowledge comes with experience not out of any training manual or session, no matter how good the coaching sysytem.

So keep the faith, these lads have got what it takes to take the Wood forward, so stay with us.

Bill Shaw.

Thanks to Bill, for an honest, entertaining and very fan-focussed match report, as ever. Really an honour to feature them here.

Check out Walsall Wood FC’s website here.