The match began well.mage courtesy of David Evans.

The third and final goal settled it conclusively. Image courtesy of David Evans.

Another goal! Image courtesy of Daviid Evans.

nevitably, the Wood scored the first of their three goals, from a well co-ordinated approach and final shot on goal. Image courtesy of David Evans.

And another of the many attacks by the Wood. Good approach work, passing and off the ball running, This was to be the pattern throughout the match;. Image courtesy David Evans.

A beautiful evening at Oak Park. Image courtesy of David Evans.

A wonderful sunset. Image courtesy of David Evans.

Image courtesy of David Evans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

Early pressure by the Wood. Image courtesy David Evans.

Image courtesy of David Evans.

The defending keeper was tested, and showed excellent reaction at times. Image courtesy of David vans.

Image courtesy David Evans.

The pressure was maintained. Image courtesy of David Evans.

Yesterday afternoon, (Saturday, 6th December 2014), Walsall Wood FC entertained Loughborough University at Oak Park, and I think it’s fair to say the Woodmen dominated the students.

Bill Shaw submitted the following match report:

Hiya Bob,

Wood recorded their second double of the season with this defeat of the students, who but for keeper Jake Weekes could have been hammered.

Walsall Wood 3 v 0 Loughborough University

Keeper Weekes made his first great save on 14 minutes, going full length to deny Joey Butlin. The relief was shortlived as a minute later a neat interchange wide left saw the ball played inside to Max Black to open the scoring with a scorching low drive. 3 minutes later Leon Taylor rounded the stranded keeper only to be stopped on the line by Adam Kana-Ah. On 27 minutes Andre Gonzales put Corey Currithers in on goal, Weekes saving with his legs.

The students first attempt on goal came on 36 minutes, Tom Reads shot stopped by Jamie Sauntson. 6 minutes later Josh Hill crossed from wide left, Ben Ward-Cochrane’s low drive bringing a full length save from Mario Kisiel.

A minute later Black raced onto a ball through the middle, Weekes pushing his low drive to the right, then getting up quickly to twice block goalbound efforts from Taylor. From the corner the ball was cleared to Black whose first time rising drive bounced to safety off the bar with Weekes beaten.

Wood dominated play at the start of the second half, with Currithers, Black and Ben Evans being denied, until on 64 minutes Black intercepted a ball on halfway and raced for goal before releasing Currithers into the box to make no mistake as he stroked the ball past the advancing Weekes.

It was all wrapped up on 71 minutes, Gonzales came out of defence with the ball to halfway before finding Butlin wide left, his cross was cut out by Weekes and a defender who got in a tangle, Taylor charging down the keepers attempted clearance that ricochetted into the empty net to give the scoreline a more realistic look.

The students had 2 chances in the last 15 minutes, Ben Ward-Cochrane having a shot deflected wide and then firing a first time effort just too high.

So it’s 16 points from the last 18 in the league for Wood as they continue their climb up the table.

It’s Kirby Muxloe away next Saturday before they entertain high flying Boldmere St. Michaels on Boxing Day.

Bill Shaw.

My thanks to Bill for a great report – and for all those he selflessly writes and send to me after every match. They really are popular, and a credit to Bill and the club. Walsall Wood have a reputation for being a great, community spirited group of people and these reports demonstrate that – it’s an honour and joy to feature them here.

For the good of the Wood!