The start of an attacking, passing, running move by Pelsall as Walsall Wood players react swiftly.

Goal to the Villa and its quickly back to play some more. On plastic, in the rain.

Men in black ..and orange..watched from close proximity… giving encouragement to their Villa squad. This team have matured so much in all aspects..drive..passing..attacking..determination..and it showed this afternoon. Respect.

Colour, to brighten a grey, dismal February afternoon, with quality passing and running to grace any stadium.

Clean knees and socks today as a passing Robin pauses to watch the action. A super work-out for two good teams, eager to play despite the miserable damp. Sporting enthusiasm.

Russell, expert cameraman, had showed me how to set my camera to take un-blurred photos. Glad, as the action was non stop. A cracking work-out for both teams

In heavy drizzle, a friendly yet meaningful contest between the Wood and the Villa ( that’s Pelsall Villa)

These two players, one with experience, the other with more sprint and youthful zeal showed their worth all through the match. And this, on plastic!

The Wood’s guest goalkeeper for the day played a masterful game; seen here fending off a Pelsall attack.

I was trying to see how quickly my camera would focus in heavy drizzle. The players were always focussed on the game.

The Wood score a goal against Pelsalls guest goalkeeper. And all in focus.

Determination, by these two opponents! They did enjoy their sport today!

A race for the ball with the Wood in hot pursuit.

Captain Splendid of the Wood, striding across the soggy plastic carpet.

Some bright interplay made this drizzly afternoon a delight. All the players were enjoying the game. So was I.

Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans

Sadly, the advertised Walsall Wood home match yesterday (3rd February 2018) against Coventry Copsewood at Oak Park was postponed due the pitch failing an inspection after one of the officials tripped over a basking dolphin.

However, all was not lost as Walsall Wood managed to organise a friendly between the first team and Pelsall Villa (also based at Oak Park) at Shelfield School on the artificial pitch, which was found to be porpoise free.

I have to offer apologies here as while I was able to advertise the planned match I could only get news of the cancellation out on social media, not the blog, due to a work issue cropping up. Sorry folks.

Anyway, I believe Walsall Wood beat Pelsall Villa 6-1 and a good, if somewhat damp time was had by all.

I am reliably informed that the errant dolphin has since apologised to the official and is believed to be quite good with a ball. It’s currently living on the old Oak Park bowling green lake and is slotted in for the subs bench at the next home match…

Images Kindly supplied by Russell Smith of the superlative The-Wood.tv