Some would call this matchplay tactics, again, by Stourport, others would call this unacceptable.

A frequently quarrelsome contest with Stourport players trying every, erm, ploy to gain a decision. That other side of soccer where a more positive control earlier in the game would have improved the spectacle for all the spectators.

First half and the Wood try to break though as they attack Stourport goalmouth, increasing the pressure incrementally, but to little avail today.

Then a moment of madness as Stourport break through the Wood to score a second goal. Ouch

Match officials happily greet Stourport captain before the match started. Interesting.

This fractious contest ends with Stourport gaining a victory. Some players shake hands with some opponents. The officials have had a difficult task today.

One of many incidents in this match. Early in the first half.

Second half and another close shave, but still no goal. One of those games!

The referee had a word with the tallest Stourport player after quite a while in the first half, watched closely by the captain, himself in need of a “word”, I felt. This was to come, after a long while.

Second half and another moment where the referee has to have a word with a Stourport player.

And a quarrelsome Stourport again show their definition of team spirit before the referee intervenes. Amazing. Second half of the second half.

Another attacking move, first half, and met again by a forest of yellow legs, shoulders and arms near the goalmouth.

One Wood player had to leave the field to have a wound stitched. Eventually and later on, the linesman had a word in the absence of any from the man with the whistle.

A heavy muddy pitch to play an FA vase match today at Stourport. Ominous, perhaps

Second half and the referee has a word.

Second half and the referee has a word, after 65 minutes of the game, with Stourport captain.

Late in the first half and the Wood are confronted by a heavily defended Stourport goalmouth. Spot the ball.

Second half and the Wood somehow manage to avoid the flailing legs, studs and arms of their opponents to score a peach of a goal. Class.

Later in the second half and the Wood seem to have Stourport on the rack as they pile on the pressure; here, a very close near miss.

Early first goal to the Swifts leaves the Wood perplexed on this tater- field of a playing surface.

Second half and a doddle third goal to Stourport. The erstwhile muted home fans cheer, understandably

The fans gaze on in some bewilderment as the play progressed in clattering style.

All images and captions Kindly supplied by David Evans.

It seems Walsall Wood FC’s run of good fortune has come to a hopefully temporary halt – On Saturday 2nd December 2017 they faced Stourport away, and lost; but also suffered a defeat on the following Tuesday at Oak Park to Wolves Sporting.

David and Simon Evans were at the matches.

Simon wrote:

Stourport Swifts 3 v 1 Walsall Wood
FA Vase, Saturday 2nd December 2017

Wood kicked off and within five minutes found themselves 1-0 down.

Stourport attacked, the defenders cross was met by Stourports number 11 Nick Macpherson whose effort found the back of the net. Woods response was to force a corner, a half chance was created but the Stourport defence cleared.

After 11 minutes some play by Peter Till saw his effort go agonisingly wide of the post. Still Wood pressed for an equaliser. After 20 minutes a long ball found Stourports Nick Macpherson who capitalised and made it 2-0.

A nasty injury to Andy Westwood held the match up, Stan Mugisha replacing him. Stourport  then countered when play restarted , Lloyd saving well. Wood countered, Gavin Hurren with an effort just wide. Wood ended the half forcing corner after corner. HT 2-0

The second half and Wood started brightly, Tony Clarke with an effort just over following some good play. Stan then had an effort just wide. After 58 minutes Stourport scored again, Nick Macphersons shot going in via the post 3-0 . Almost immediately Wood countered and The Stourport keeper did well to save an effort on the line, Fitzpatrick then had an effort over the bar.

Soon Tony Clarke pulled a goal back 3-1. Wood tried to get another, a Fitzpatrick freekick was the closest. In the end the Stourport  goalkeeper and defence held firm. FT 3-1 to Stourport

Simon Evans

Cheers to David and Simon for a great report there – sorry for the delay in posting it up.

On Tuesday, David watched the Wolves Sporting match at Oak park, and submitted the following pictures and report.

The Wood were kept on their back foot in this game. Wolves showed their prowess. Wood showed their determination

The Wood welcome Wolves to the theatre of dreams. Excellent display of sporting soccer by Woods opponents and a fine display of true sporting play was to unfold .

Early second-half pressure by the Wolves brings defensive moves by the replenished Wood players. Who would score the important first goal? Seat cushion clenching time for fans.

Anticipation and hard work in the first half. Would the Wood break through and score that first goal?

Second half and the Wood up their play, and the Wolves up theirs. Come on lads.

Second half and time for the Wood to prime their muskets as their respond to the challenge.

Second half and one of several interesting sporting tussles. Soccer, as it is enjoyed by players and fans. Some excellent passing, off the ball running and positive attitude characterised this match. Delightful to spectate.

The game was played at pace, which brought its own demands on this cold and dank pre-Yuletide evening

Not over until…late second half and the Wood try their best to score the equalising goal. Will they succeed? was the half muttered question from the mouths of the choir of angels.

Second half and a ghostly black figure creeps past in the distance, un-noticed by players.

First half; tea-time approaches and hungry fans queue for solid sustenance catching the attention of a lonely goalkeeper.

Second half and Wolves score a beautifully crafted and executed goal to give them the lead. Ouch

The match ends and all the players shake hands with their opponents and officials. Applause for all from the fans to complete the evening.

Just before half-time and to a background enticing perfume of freshly cooked beefburgers, the Wood come very close to scoring the first goal of this closely – contested match.

A rare moment in the first half where the Wood put the visitor’s keeper to the test. One of those games

A goodly number of fans of both clubs appreciated this evening’s positive sporting soccer and welcoming clubhouse lubricants

All images and captions Kindly supplied by David Evans.

David wrote:

Walsall Wood 0 v 1 Wolves Sporting

Tuesday 5th December December 2017

Hard work for The Woodmen, team weakened by players missing – injuries sustained last Saturday.

Wolves played well and deserved the sporting win.

Wolves two star players gave WWFC hard time, as did their excellent passing.

David Evans

Cheers lads – let’s hope Walsall Wood get back to their winning form soon! For the Good of The Wood…