Images kindly supplied by Simon Evans

Last Saturday afternoon (16th January 2016), Walsall Wood F.C. travelled to Allay.Park at Hereford to face Westfields, who sadly beat the Woodmen 2-1.

This report was kindly submitted by Simon Evans, still standing in for Bill Shaw who’s been a bit ill but is thankfully now on the mend. Our best wishes to Bill for a speedy recovery, and my thanks to Simon for filling Bill’s shoes so wonderfully.

Simon was at allpay.park to witness the match, and submitted the following report:

Hi Bob,

The match went ahead after 2 pitch inspections.

Westfields 2 v 1 Walsall Wood

Westfields kicked off and after some nice play between Harry Harris and Craig Deakin, Joey Butlin had the first shot on goal. Then the next few minutes both teams had counter attacks which were well defended. After 12 minutes great wing play by Corey Currithers and the subsequent cross just too high for the strikers but was retrieved and whipped in. Penalty appeals by the wood were waved away and from the counter attack Westfields scored 1-0 – Ben Miller.

Woods response was swift, a louis Harris free kick clattered on the crossbar, the resulting corner hammered in and Anthony Juxons header went just over the bar.

After 26 minutes yet more great wing play by Corey Currithers who cut in and had a great rasping shot just over the bar.

On 32 minutes Westfields Aidan Thomas went on a run at the Wood’s defence, his shot was well saved and cleared. The ball was passed to Harry Harris who played a delightful ball for Lewis Taylor Boyce to run onto and calmly slot past the oncoming keeper, 1-1.

Straight from the kick off Wood took the ball back and went on a counter attack through Craig Deakin bearing down on goal, the ball eventually cleared.

After 43 minutes Luke Wright made a fantastic last ditch block to stop Westfield’s Aidan Thomas who was bearing down on goal.

Right on half time, Drew Aiton ran at the Westfields defenders, taking a shot which was parried by the keeper, Joey Butlin’s follow up was cleared. Wood ended the first half winning a couple of corners which were cleared – half time score 1-1.

The second half started as the first ended: Wood winning corner after corner. Craig Deakin had a great cross which was well held by the keeper.

With 50 minutes gone, more great play on the wing by the Westfield winger whose skimming cross shot was somehow well saved by a combination of the Wood defender and keeper on the line.

Westfields then started to exhert some pressure on the woods defence , Shots were cleared, corners were parried and then the Wood keeper Andy Hughes produced a wonder save. From the corner the ball was cleared.

After 72 minutes after constant Westfields pressure, No 7 Craig Jones rifled Westfield back in the lead. 2-1.

Straight after Westfields went back on the attack, exerting constant pressure on the Wood defenders who held firm.

Just on 87 minutes great football by Corey Currithers and Joey Butlin resulted in Coreys shot skimming the post with the keeper routed to the spot.

The final few minutes saw Walsall Wood in search of an equaliser, winning corner after corner, but Westfields held firm for the victory.

Simon Evans

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