Late in the first half and the Wood work their way with determination toward the opponents goalmouth. Paget were to present formidable defence, though

Second half now and the Wood need to break through to score a goal, as do Paget. The pace quickened visibly by both teams after their cucumber sandwich and cup of tea with their managers.

Half time and a special time for presentations in the Saints section.

A guard of honour to welcome both teams and WWFC mascots on to the field. A very special day.

Today was a time to enjoy the present and rejoice as memories of individual player highlights came flashing to mind.

Second half boot fashion display. Not noticed this before.

Wood now leading by two goals, return , almost in step to their half.

Memorable half time special, with Lynn there to complete the day

The final whistle. Two super, sporting local teams have played their hearts out and the match ends with thunderous applause for all the players. A memorable day. But its not all over, not quite..

Rejoice and be glad moment after scoring the first goal. Focus now.

Craig Deakin, brilliant as ever again today. Love local soccer

A special commemorative double page collage of most of the Saints winning teams. Kindly offered for inclusion. At least another six teams need to have their photo special! An amazing programme.

Early in the first half. No, but nearly a goal.

The ravages of the terrible weather were felt everywhere, and yet, here the magic of the ground staff can be seen. Love the Wood.

And then, a tear-jerking minute’s applause by everyone in the ground- Walsall Wood’s tribute to the memory of Bill Shaw. A fitting and very personal moment

The Wood’s own Red Arrows and their Squadron leader. Glorious . Nearly full time.

Second half and some stand sitters have yet to return to their seats. Neck oil must not be spilled. Ever.

Second goal to the Wood. Second half and need to change the camera battery, quick, now

Second half and first goal, to the Wood. There, in the distance.

Celebration moment be Men in Red Late in the second half. The home supporters are in full, un-melodious voice, not lacking in volume. All the right notes, but not necessarily….

A trophy and award photo for the family and club album, indeed.

Captain Splendid

Midway through the first half and some glorious fooball by both teams created a match to savour

Mrs Lynn Shaw graced the occasion by presenting awards .

Lynn Shaw presenting an award.

The visitors, Paget Rangers,played in blue strip, on a beautiful green grass pitch, surrounded by lines of supporters in red.

Very late in the second half and just time to roll the ball out.

The stork’s nest.

Today’s comprehensive matchday programme

A free kick, second half. The referee had very little to correct or reprimand today. Two good teams, playing with gusto and skill, often bringing applause by spectators. Both teams. Cracking football.

Before the match, a few minutes to greet visiting fans and match officials

Nearly half time and incisive, skilful passing and reciprocal defensive pay by both teams keeps the scoreline clean.

High octane, full strength soccer was played today as all the spectators soon realised.

Paget Rangers, downcast, but only for a moment after the second goal. Come on Paget.

Super display of concentration in this match.

Paget Rangers were harried and hustled by the Wood today, and responded well. The first goal was to be a long time coming.

The play facilities are complete and being put to good use. A Community Football Club, this.

Later in the second half and Wood score their third goal. Score now WWFC 3, Paget Rangers 0

Images and captions Kindly supplied by David Evans.

Saturday (28th April 2018) saw Walsall Wood FC cement their position as league champions for the 2017-18 season of the MFL league by beating Sutton Coldfield’s Paget Rangers 3-0 at Oak Park, followed by the presentation of the Championship Shield, and event which at this point last season might have seemed fanciful.

David Evans was there to witness the match, punctuated at half time by Lynn Shaw, wife of the late, great Bill Shaw, presenting awards to the Saints team for their efforts this season, and also the new Bill Shaw award for service to the club – a very touching moment.

Russell Smith hasn’t yet posted footage from this match on The-Wood.TV, but he has posted the first half goals from the Ilkeston match on the previous Tuesday, 24th April 2018 which saw Walsall Wood defeated at home, 4-0, there only defeat do san this year. You can watch that footage here.

Dave Evans wrote:

Walsall Wood 3 v 0 Paget rangers
28th April 2018

Today the very full complement of spectators and supporters watched a fine display of controlled, accurate football by two sporting local teams whose determination and endeavour was a credit to all those who took part. Walsall Wood and Paget Rangers both took and lost possession of the ball in the first half as both sides exhibited the obvious need to win this match. Try as they may niehter side could effectively break through the opposing team’s resolute defence and the scoreline remained blank at half time.

With deft substitutions by both sides, and doubtless with sweet words of encouragement by the respective team managers over the half time cucumber sandwiches and Earl Grey tea from bone china cups, enjoyed in the privacy of the changing rooms, the teams emerged to continue this full speed encounter.

Eventually the Wood scored their first goal… a sweet gentle tap through a hole in the opponents’ defensive line. The reply by Paget was to be expected and they tried different tactics to outsmart the Wood. Delightful soccer. However, apart from one thunderous long-range shot on goal by Paget, which in other matches would surely have scored the rocket equalising goal, today it was not to be so.

Wood scored a second goal, employing one of their repertoire of tactics, and then a third.

Noticeable throughout this sporting encounter were the occasions when a player would offer a hand to help an opponent up from the lush, real grass, and the frequent brief handshakes, too. Love real soccer. Love local non-league soccer.

The game ended and all the spectators showed their appreciation . Applause for all the players.

Thanks to David for a great report and photos – for the good of The Wood!

Below is a gallery of images from the shield presentation for winning the league, again supplied by David.