Walsall Wood, sadly defeated at home this week.

Last Tuesday (22nd March 2016) Walsall Wood FC battled Sporting Khalsa at Oak Park – and the result was a resounding victory for the Willenhall boys, much to the Wood fans dismay.

Simon Evans was there and kindly sent this report:

Hi Bob

Walsall Wood 0 v 3 Sporting Khalsa

Khalsa got the game underway, but it was Walsall Wood who had the first shot, Lewis Taylor Boyce firing a shot just wide after a Wood free kick was hastily cleared. Some nice play between saw Harry Harris and Craig Deakin fed Dan Griffiths, the Khaslsa defenders removing the danger. Another Wood free kick saw Joey Butlin’s header across the box cleared.

After eight minutes a through ball to Joey Butlin saw him bear down on goal, the Khalsa defender’s ill timed tackle bringing Joey Butlin down, amid the protests, the Referee said play on. From that Khalsa attacked and forced a corner from which Khalsa got the opening goal courtesy of a Harry Harris’s own goal.

Soon after Khalsa’s Simeon Townsend burst through, his lob went over the bar. Khalsa were now having a good spell of pressure, Matthew Martin, Khalsa’s no. 11 tempting cross was well held by the Wood keeper.

Wood had the next attempt, a Ben Evans pass to Joey Butlin, his pass to Dan Griffiths who’s shot was just over the bar. Next a Wood counter attack saw Ben Evans beat the defender but the keeper was equal to his shot.

On 32 minutes Khalsa scored, Simeon Townswend finding the net after some nice wing play.

Bradley Lawley, Khalsa’s no. 7 had a shot which was deflected, the resulting corner was headed goal wards and was eventually cleared.

On the stroke of half time, a Joey Butlin shot after some nice Wood play was well held by the Khalsa keeper

Halftime: 0-2

Wood got the second half underway and from the kick off, a long ball to Dan Griffiths was well defended by Khalsa. After a Lewis Taylor Boyce flick, a Dan Griffiths shot was saved by the keeper.

Khalsa then started to exert some pressure, A John Hill  Simeon Townsend then burst through, the Wood keeper Adam Jenkins making a fine save… Bradley Lawley then had a shot well saved by Adam Jenkins in the Wood goal.

A Wood corner saw a Lee Hildreth header cleared by the Khalsa defenders. Wood then made a substitution, Ben Evans being replaced by Corey Currithers.

Dan Griffiths had a cross shot well held by the Khalsa keeper, Corey Currithers then went on a great run, beating defenders before whipping in a teasing cross which was admirably dealt with. Some more great wing play by Corey Currithers saw him pass to Craig Deakin who’s cross was headed behind by the Khalsa defenders.

Khalsa’s Bradley Lawley then had a shot which went wide after a pull back in the Wood box. Another Dan Griffiths cross was headed behind for a corner, the result saw a Corey Currithers header well defended for another corner.

After 83 minutes Khalsa bagged their third goal courtesy of Lee Wharton.

Khalsa then made a double substitution, Bradley Lawley, Simeon Townsend being replaced by Craig Bannister and Matthew Gardiner.

Wood also made a swap, Dan Griffiths being replaced by Luke Wright.

Khalsa completed the rash of changes with final substitution, Marvin Nisbetts being replaced by Michael Nelson.

A hopeful ball from the Wood defence was chased by Joey Butlin  and the Khalsa defenders passback was missed by the keeper for a corner, which was missed.

The last few minutes saw Khalsa’s Simeon Townsend and Craig Bannister have shots which Adam Jenkins in the Wood goal saved well.

Fulltime: 0-3

Thanks, as ever Simon – For The Goof Of The Wood!

Walsall Wood Football Club are a top local side with a big-hearted faithful who know how to have a great time supporting their lads, and welcome all comers to come enjoy great local soccer. The boys from The Wood have been at the heart of the local community for a century or more, so please do go check out a match or two if you’re curious.