Fine clearance leap by Shepshed goalkeeper. Super soccer. Delightful to spectate.

Both teams earn spectators’ admiration and respect as play continues despite the sudden heavy rain and wind. Springtime soccer.

The gusting wind which bedevelled the game lifts a Shepshed snap-shot skyward

Second half and the Wood score their third goal to take the lead as a storm is about to break

Customary handshake, with Shepshed in bright yellow,

Smart inventive move by the Wood breaks through Shepshed defence. Interesting

A thrilling match where the Wood’s resolve and composure won through in the end, but Shepshed gave them a run for their money! Well done, both teams.

The Wood respond and score their first goal, also in the first half. Shepshed show concern.

Breakthrough move by Shepshed brings their second goal in the first half.

First goal of the match, to Shepshed

Shepshed early attacking move in the first half, with a strong wind at their backs

Images and captions kindly supplied by David Evans.

It’s been a hectic few days down at Oak Park, home of Walsall Wood FC – on Thursday 24th March 2016, they travelled to Bardon Hill FC where they beat the home side a storming 4-2; then yesterday Saturday 26th March the Woodmen were at home, entertaining Shepshed, who were also beaten 3-2. Today, Monday 28th March, Wood are again at home, this time facing Heanor Town.

Kickoff this afternoon is at Oak Park at 3pm. Stout footwear and a good brolly advised…

Sadly, Simon Evans has bit a bit unwell last couple of days and has been unable to file match reports, but I have the above gallery and wry overview from the young David Evans. My best wishes to Simon and hope he gets well soon.

David wrote:

Hiya Bob,

Storming performance by the lads in red today at Oak Park, who  sent Shepshed supporters away in silence.

Walsall Wood 3 v 2 Shepshed

Shepshed played with the wind behind them and downhill in the first half…. two goals ahead in twenty minutes and their supporters, enjoying the Walsall Wood hospitality, gave loud  support to their side.

Would the Wood? Could the Wood weather the deluge of yellow in mid flow that presented itself en masse? The acid test came soon as slowly, imperceptibly, the wood played and passed, inching forward here, driving manfully there… And a goal to the wood brought half time score at two to the canaries and one precious goal to there’d roosters.

Second half necessary throat oiling and kneecap drenching meant I was back on the parapets too late to see the Corey equaliser within a minute of over the top time.

From then the wood went into opponent soul destroying mode as they now had the wind and the slope and the storm on their side.

With wonder, skill, and the measure of resolve and confidence that shatter many a visiting team, The Wood scored the winning goal.

In the stand, sat sitting there in shock, a line of silent erstwhile squarking canaries was mute, and from there was detected the unmistakable aroma of surprise defeat.

A smashing performance by Walsall Wood who played up to and beyond the level required and have every reason to be pleased with the result.

Like sheep leaving the field, SHepshed can wonder where the red marks on their fleece came from…

David Evans

It’s good to see Walsall Wood again on winning form – it’s certainly put a spring in David’s step!

For the good of the Wood!