Equalising goal to the Wood as Alvechurch tall defence is left on tip toe. Superb soccer.

The teams line up before the start of the match , on an interesting pitch

Alvechurch score from a penalty awarded by the referee.

One of Alvechurch’s high rise players in action early on in the game

Second half breakaway run by the Wood beats his marker for pace and determination.

Winning goal to Alvechurch in the last few minutes, from a free kick awarded by the referee.

Alvechurch used their tall defenders to good effect, in many ways.

Getting on top before the ball arrives. Interesting pre-emptive move

Alvechurch shoot at goal. With peaceful countryside in the distance

Some fine passing and moves by both sides. Most enjoyable to spectate

English soccer, in the early spring 2016

Wood on the attack as Alvechurch respond, in their own way

An early foray by the Wood causes vocal consternation among Alvechurch defenders

Two home players close in to take on one of the Wood players

Photos and captions kindly supplied by David Evans

Last Saturday afternoon (12th March 2016) Walsall Wood FC travelled south to play Alvechurch away, and were sadly beaten.

Simon and David Evans were there to catch the action:

Hiya

Alvechurch 2 v 1 Walsall Wood

Alvechurch got the game underway and went straight on the attack. A long ball was collected by Adam Jenkins in the Wood goal, but Alvechurch were soon back on the attack,  a cross after some rather nice play was just too long.

Walsall Wood’s first attack saw good play between Steven Hayles and Drew Aiton, Steven Hayles shot was well cleared, next saw great football by Louis Harris whose pass to Joey Butlin. Butlin’s first time shot was sadly well held by the Alvechurch goalkeeper. After a Wood free kick, Joey Butlin’s flick on was met by Dan Griffiths, his shot just wide of the post.

Danny Ashton from Alverchurch then ran at the Wood defence which was defended, the ball fell to Sam Williams who shot over the bar. Another Alvechurch attack saw Jordan Nadat head just over.

Alvechurch then had a penalty appeal waved away, from that Wood attacked a Louis Harris pass was met by Anthony Juxon, his header just off target.

After 18 minutes a moment of controversy when the referee awarded Alvechurch a penalty which was put away by James Spray. Straight after Jordan Nadat had a shot which went over the bar.

Wood’s response was a Drew Aiton shot just past the post after nice build up play.

After 42 minutes wood drew level. Lewis Taylor Boyce fed Louis Harris a great pass, Harris’s perfect lob floated into the far corner.

The last action of the first half saw an Alvechurch free kick defended by the Wood.

Half time 1-1

Walsall Wood got the second half underway and within a couple of minutes another moment of controversy when, after a tackle in the Alvechurch box, the referee dismissed Wood’s protests. Wood then had a brief spell of pressure, Craig Deakin’s pass to Joey Butlin, his lay off to Dan Griffiths who shot past the post.

Alvechurch’s Zack Foster then tested Adam Jenkins in the Wood goal, who produced a wonder save to deny him. Alvechurch no 8 Sam Williams then shot wide.

The visitors then made their first substitution: Danny Ashton being replaced by Nick Wright. Alvechurch then had a brief spell of attack, James Spray and Jordan Nadat seeing shots go over the bar.

Soon after Wood made their first substitution, seeing Drew Aiton being replaced by Max Black.

Adam Jenkins in the Wood goal was then forced into another fine save, saving from James Spray. Some elegant Wood interplay between Louis Harris and Lewis Taylor Boyce saw the keeper claim well.

Alvechurch then made another change Sam Williams being replaced by Ryan Linwood.

On 86 minutes after an innocuous challenge, Alvechurch scored their second goal. Nick Wright’s freekick finding the bottom corner.

Walsall Wood then made another swap, Luke Wright replacing Louis Harris.

After 92 minutes Wood were reduced to 10 men, Steven Hayles seeing red.

Full time 2-1

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

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