Time to use more pencil as the man in black makes a note of some inestimably seemingly incoherent, imperceptible infringement, spotted only to his good self. Off stage; whispers.
Second half and hard work for all the players.
The two linesmen had a challenging time valiently trying to keep up with the sheer pace of the attacking players throughout this match.
Copsewood rush to counter another Wood accurate pass. Late in the first half.
Early in the second half and the ball seems to go in to the Wood net…but, offside, chaps.
At last, hard work and patience by the Wood brings their goal, first half…Captain Splendid , the scorer.
First half and one of many push-me moments.
Second half and Copsewood race back as the referee raises his arm to ( correctly) disallow the goal as the linesman continues to wave his flag furiously to attract the attention of the ref. Bless
Later in the first half and fleet of foot dynamo attacker beats Copsewood defender for pace. This, after a clatter of boots, of course, and then wrongly adjudged to be offside. Time to read the rulebook?
Free kicks, to Copsewood, galore. A most unusual match to spectate. A one-off, I hope
Early in the first half and a sprightly contest develops, which was frequently interrupted by the man with a new whistle.
Midway through the first half and the hard, dry, bobbly play surface tests both teams. Here The Wood take up positions to defend an incoming corner kick. A wall of red.
First half and a snap breakaway move by Copsewood leaves the Wood flat-footed, and noted by their manager. This was to be no pushover for the Wood, who were outnumbered right from the start, one way or another.
Walsall Wood played in red, Copsewood in blue
Late in the first half . Could so easily have been four nil to the Wood by then.
A quick moment of celebration as the referee, he of pencil and whistle, approaches.
The match ends. A hard game. One to file away. Players shake hands as the referee quickly leaves the pitch. Understandable.
Coventry Copsewood. First visit. Interesting dry, gritty surface and a wind blew frequently during the contest, as it turned out.
Captain Splendid
Second half. Clean knees and shorts, still. Excellent close play by players in this half. Super to spectate.
A minute of silence before the start of the game.
One of the many early attacking moves by the Wood. How would Copsewood respond? Early signs, too, of frustration by the blue team resulting in ankle and boots clattering and clashing. One of those games.
In full flight. Delightful to see this and to see how Copsewood took the game to the Wood .
Images and captions Kindly supplied by the young David Evans
Walsall Wood FC continued their winning streak last Saturday (24th February 2018) when they travelled to Coventry Copsewood and beat the home side 1-0, despite some appartlently interesting match officiation.
Unusually, David Evans took the trip down the road to see as, and his son Simon Evans has Kindly supplied a match report, deputising for Bill Shaw who’s sadly rather unwell at the moment.
On behalf of myself and all the readers and Wood faithful, I’d like to wish Bill a speedy recovery and and a hearty ‘Get well soon!’. Hang in there old chap.
Simon Evans wrote:
Hi Bob
Coventry Copsewood 0 v 1 Walsall Wood
Wood kicked off. From the off, Keenan Richards with a great ball found Tony Clarke which resulted in a corner. From the corner Mitch Tolley had a strike which was blocked, the ball fell to Jordan Fitzpatrick who fizzed one wide. Copsewood then forced a corner, which Price in the Wood goal saved comfortably. Tony Clarke then forced the Copsewood keeper to put the ball out for a corner.
After 17 mins following a Wood corner the ball fell to Mitch Tolley who’s effort found the back of the net. 1-0 to the Wood. Wood were searching another goal, following a Keenan Richards free kick , Mitch Tolley forced the keeper to push his effort round the post. Tony Clarke then made himself a half chance but the keeper saved. Tony Clarke was then put through from Paul Sullivan’s pass but shot just over the bar. Paul Sullivan then forced the keeper into a save at his near post. Copsewood striker then had an effort which was over the bar.
Half time: Wood 1-0
The second half started with Wood looking for another goal, Paul Sullivan’s strength and shot forced the keeper to make a smart save. On the hour mark, Copsewood scored but the Linesman’s flag came to Woods rescue. Five minutes later the linesman came to Woods rescue again, a long range effort from the Copsewood player smashed the underside of the bar and came out, Wood cleared the danger but the Linesman had his flag up for offside. In the last minute A Keenan Richards corner was headed just over by Tony Clarke. Copsewood piled on the pressure in injury time, but Wood held firm to win 0-1.
I also have this orphaned gallery from the Saturday 17th February match at Oak Park between Walsall Wood and Chelmsley Town, which the Woodmen won 6-0 – sadly no report.
Wood in control all through this match, Chelmsley playing on real grass, Wood played super soccer.
An innovative hard running move by the Wood and resultant attention by opponents.
Smiles and handshakes. It was going to be a fine display of controlled soccer, again, by the Wood, and a determined Chelmsley .
Second half and another goal to the Wood . Goalkeeper sustaining a knee injury which later necessitated his substitution. A pause in proceedings and worrying moment for all the players.
Early part of the first half and Chelmsley are working hard to break through the Wood defence as they are put to the test by probing long accurate passes by the Wood. This, and an unforgiving heavy ground brought out the best in both teams. Super.
Celebration number 2. How would Chelmsley respond? …testing time.
Work hard for every ball, A Wood attacking move is launched. First half
Half time approaches and thirsty supporters stride purposefully to the Health-giving hydration station and glance to see the untroubled Wood goalmouth in the distance
Later in the second half and another goal. I was pleased so many of my photos have turned out better today. Sunshine and Russell’s tuition. Both appreciated.
Second half and a goal from a penalty kick.
Early part of the first half and still clean kneecaps all round. This would change
Full-time, All the players shake hands with all their opponents. It has been a positive, sporting display of fine soccer, enjoyed by the players and spectators.
A beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon at Oak Park with pitch blessing by the resident Bulldog beforehand. His tree.
Patience and endeavour brings the first goal to the Wood and muddied shorts for Chelmsley’s goalkeeper
Oh it is so good to see the sunshine and the green inviting grass at Oak Park. Its been a while but thanks to the wonderful ground staff the match is on, the bar is open, chips and burgers crackle away in the refreshment van nearby , and the world is good.
Spot the ball
Celebration number 2. How would Chelmsley respond? …testing time.
Second half and another goal, beating the substitute goalkeeper
First half and corner kick to the Wood, and the delicious aroma of chips.
Celebration, yes, but in all honesty the Wood were in total control in this game. Both teams had to play in the heavy ground conditions, but brighter moves and more accuracy by the Wood gave them the edge.
Later in the second half and the heavy going began to take its toll, especially on Chelmsley players.
An attacking move by Chelmsley as the Wood defence rushes in.
A high leap brings a salute from standing supporters.
Early in the second half and the teams’ cup of coca and cucumber sandwiches at half time have revitalised Chelmsley.
Images and captions Kindly supplied by the young David Evans
Thanks, as ever, to David and Simon for their hard work – For the Good of The Wood!
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Hi Bob
many thanks for the fine presentation and editing. Greatly appreciated
kind regards
David