A touching tribute to the late, great Bill Shaw at his funeral last week. Image posted on Facebook by Walsall Wood Football Club. Rest in peace, old lad.

Due to the lack of accompanying media I’ve held a couple of reports back and Simon sent me a couple together so this is a great opportunity to roll them up into one post – and here it is.

It’s safe to say Walsall Wood are still on very good form and yesterday beat Uttoxeter Town away 3-2 – coming from 2-0 down at half time in what was said to be a remarkable match. A review of that one will be up soon, hopefully.

I think at the moment Walsall Wood are ten points clear at the top of the league and seem to be fairly unassailable, but looking around Ilkeston seem to have other ideas.

Image from Pitchero. Click for a larger version.

Here’s the roundup, and thanks to the lads for the reports. Hopefully I’ll get it more together as were get into our stride in coming weeks and adjust.

Simon Evans wrote:

Matches have happened sporadically over the last few weeks, resulting in a very hectic end of season schedule.

Walsall Wood v Lichfield City
Home match Tuesday 6th March 2018

Before kick off there was a minutes silence for Bill Shaw. Lichfield kicked off and after 7 minutes a great through ball found Drew Aiton who coolly slotted in at the Shaw end. 0 1 to Lichfield. This seemed to spark the Wood, Paul Sullivan forcing a corner. From the corner, Gavin Hurrens header was cleared off the line. After 17 minutes, Paul Sullivan rifled an unstoppable shot into the back of the net 1-1. Wood were now in control, a great through ball put Tony Clarke through, his shot going agonisingly wide. Next some trickery from Peter Till on the wing, his cross was met perfectly by Ben Lunds header, but the post coming to Lichfields rescue, then Paul Sullivan had an effort which was wide.Lichfield then had a spell of pressure, a freekick was partially cleared by the wall, the rebound was just over the bar. Tony Clarke and Mitch Tolley then had efforts just wide. The last action of the first half saw Paul Sullivans effort going straight at the Lichfield keeper. 

Half time: 1-1

The second half started as the first one ended with Wood on the front foot. Tony Clarke forcing a corner. Lichfield attacker then had a great chance, through on goal but shot straight at LLoyd Ransome in the Wood goal. Some trickery from the Lichfield winger who’s cross was met perfectly by the oncoming Lichfield attacker but there effort hit the post.On the hour mark, Wood went on a counter attack, Jordan Fitzpatrick winning a corner. From the resulting corner, Gavin Hurren’s effort finding the back of the net. 2-1 to the Wood.  Six minutes later Paul Sullivan was through on goal, his finish finding the back of the net 3-1 to the Wood. A couple of minutes later Gavin Hurrens shot found the back of the net 4-1 to the Wood. By now Wood were playing some lovely football, this resulted in Paul Sullivan grabbing his hat trick 5-1 . Tony Clarke then had an effort ruled out  for offside, Paul Sullivan was through on goal, but Lichfield keeper made a fine save.
Lichfield than had a spell of pressure, this resulted in a corner. From the corner, a flick header found the back of the Wood net 5-2.

Jordan Fitzpatrick then had an effort just over the bar. Lee Butler then went on a surging run, he was upended just outside the box. From the resulting free kick, Jordan Fitzpatrick curled one goalwards, the Lichfield keeper made a fine save, but Tony Clarke was on hand to tap in no 6.

Full time: Walsall Wood 6 v 2 Lichfield City 

The week before on a bitterly cold night, Walsall Wood played in a top of the table clash with Leicester Road. Peter Till via a goalkeeping error score the 100th league goal this campaign for the Wood. Both teams had chances With a minute to go Leicester Road scored a wonderful equalising goal.

Full time: Wood 1 v 1 Leicester Road

The match is very nearly at its end now, and visiting spectators have begun to make their way back to the throat lubrication station.

Second half. Concentration.

Referee and two players take a private moment in the final minutes of the match to discuss aerobics, I think. The match was well officiated today.

A good attacking move by Brocton and so nearly the equalising goal. First half

Late in the first half and the colourful sporting feast continues. Green, white, red, and so clean knees. Most of the play was rather vertical and angular today.

The new viewing platform, with spectators . A very good crowd watched today’s game. So good to be able to enjoy local soccer on a calm Saturday afternoon in late and persistent winter.

Second half and the ref has a gentle word with two players, then the game resumes.

First half just before half time. Players pause and waist. A Brocton defender had landed awkwardly and receives attention from trainers of both teams. An anxious moment for all.

Second half. Players have enjoyed a cup of tea and cucumber sandwiches. Spectators have lubricated their vocal chords with local throat oil, and play gets under way again.

Close marking and skilful on and off the ball play made this match one to savour and relish. Two teams visibly enjoying playing the sport they love.

One of today’s magicians.

The Wood walk away and celebrate their first goal .

..and not one full glass!

Captain Splendid, masterful as always.

Celebration for the Wood, and time for Brocton to get up and go again.

Two teams emerge from the warmth of the dressing rooms. Heavy playing surface to test both sides

Late in the first half. Spot the ball, and the stick of rock. Both sides trying hard to capture, control, retain and develop attacking moves. Delightful game to spectate and a creditable performance by both teams. Very little frustration.

Burgers, hot dogs, tea. This is Walsall Wood , Oak park…and home for the Junior Saints, too. A Community football club

First half attacking move by the Wood and good defensive play by Brocton.

Captains shake hands and the three men in black complete the scene.

Later in the first half and joy mixed with relief as the Wood manage to break through to score their first goal. Home crowd cheer and heave a sigh of relief. Visiting fans from Brocton and other interested parties are seen to frown and discretely gnash their teeth/dentures. Love non-league soccer.

Second half and the Wood find a way through Brocton defence to score their second goal. Elation and joy among the home supporters. How would Brocton respond?

Early in the first half and the Wood seem to be taking longer to get into their stride than Brocton do. This is going to be a challenging match then; can feel it in my bones.

All the hard work by the ground staff to prepare the pitch for today’s match has enabled the game to take place, after so much extreme weather. Winter daylight soccer. England 2018.

The match ends. All the players shake hand with their opponents in this positive, well-played sporting encounter. A credit to all the players and a fine example of non-league football.

Second half. The Wood want to increase their lead. Brocton need to draw level. Interesting time!

Later in the second half and the Wood are eager to score their third goal, bringing the inevitable close marking.

Pictures and captions from the Brocton match Kindly supplied by the young David Evans.

Walsall Wood v Brocton
Home match 24th March 2018

Wood kicked off and straight away went on the offensive. But the first real chance went to Brocton, a freekick was partially dealt with, the ball finding the Brocton winger who’s cross was well claimed by Lloyd Ransome in the Wood goal. His distribution set up a Wood counter attack, Lewis Haydens pass into Lei Brown in the box, his shot was just wide of the post. Brocton then had a great chance, a freekick was half cleared back to the Brocton midfielder, his long range effort deflected off a Wood player to the Brocton striker who’s first time effort was just wide. Soon after a great ball found Tony Clarke, his run and cross into the 6 yard box was inadvertently diverted into his own net by the oncoming Brocton defender just as Lei Brown was ready to pounce. 1-0 to the Wood.

Lewis Hayden then tested the Brocton keeper with a teasing cross, but the keeper held well. Ben Lund’s pinpoint cross, was met by Lei Brown but the shot was just over the bar. Tony Clarke then made half a yard but his shot rolled agonisingly wide. Brocton then had a spell of pressure, but the Wood defence held firm. Craig Deakin then had a chance following a surging run, his effort going wide. The last chance of the half fell to the Wood, a Lei Brown header going just wide, following a free kick.

Half Time:  1-0 to the Wood

The second half started with Brocton attacking. A surging run and shot  straight at Lloyd Ransome in the Wood goal. A quick Wood freekick found Keenen-Richards in the box, his effort just over the bar. Brocton midfielder then had a half chance, but his effort was high.
A quick throw in found Ben Lund, his speed got him into the box, his cross was met perfectly by lee Butler, the Brocton keeper making a fine save.

Within minutes a long range ball found ben lund on the right, his run into the box and  effort was parried by the Brocton keeper, Tony Clarke on hand to knock the ball in to the net 2-0.

Peter Till then found Lee Butler, he made half a yard but his effort rolled wide.

Brocton then started to press, a resulting freekick was dealt with by the Wood defence. Soon after the ref blew for the end of the match.

Full time:. Walsall Wood 2 v 0 Brocton

Match footage from the wonderful Russell Smith at The-Wood.tv

Walsall Wood v Heath Hayes
Home match Tuesday 27th March 2018

Wood started strongly and soon found themselves a goal up. Kyle Rowley forcing home from a freekick. Mitch Tolley headed over from a Jordan Fitzpatrick corner. Lei Brown then had a header which clipped the crossbar. Heath Hayes then had a spell of pressure, LLoyd Ransome saving well.

On the stroke of half time, a Wood freekick ,Jordan Fitzpatrick fizzed it in, but Andrew Westwood couldn’t get enough on it and the ball went wide. HT 1-0 to the Wood.

In the second Half, Wood went in search of more goals, a great run by Ben Lund nearly created a half chance. Heath Hayes attacked, Humphries tested LLoyd Ransome in the Wood goal.

Into the last 10 minutes, great play by Ben Lund who’s effort is tapped in by Tony Clarke. 2-0 to the Wood.

Wood sub  Dan Okojie, then went on a surging run, a clumsy tackle on him in the box resulting in a penalty. Lei Brown calmly slotted home no 3. 3-0 to the Wood. The last attack of the game saw Nathan Walkers header hit the crossbar.

Full time:  Walsall Wood 3 v 0 Heath Hayes