Nearing half time, and one of the Wood’s attacking line in action! Hypnotic skill.

Early first half and first goal to the Wood. They were to win by twelve goals to nil today.

A foray in to the Wood’s half by Bolehall brings instant response by the Wood’s defenders.

Understandably being closely monitored by a Bolehall player….they made a fine pair.

A beautifully sweet goal, scored by the Wood’s number 7. First half

Today gladiators of the main team, who have played so magnificently throughout the season, are able to enjoy the delights of the game as they digest the delights of the refreshment van. Second half

First half and a goalfest is developing. Second goal to the Wood

First half and Bolehall’s keeper is put to the test. He played a very good game, despite the scoreline, beaten only by superior tactical play routing through his defence line.

Celebration and applause. …and nearly half time. Tea and a hotdog, with onions, await.

Second half and another goal to the Wood. Body language time.

Bolehall are far from done as they counter attack. First half

Full concentration. Second half

The final matchday programme of this amazing season. May 12, 2018

The stadium as witnessed every kind of weather and extreme conditions. Spectators have sat, lagged against the freezing winds yet today the conditions were ideal, and kind.

Second half and the choir of angels are in full voice as they hold on firmly to the handrail with one hand, and to a glass of precious throat oil with the other. Love the Wood!

Celebration time. Yes, it is Joey Butlin in the centre of the group.

Second half and spectators, refreshed and in fine voice, enjoy the delights of the game.

Bolehall, now numbering two more than when they kicked off, launch a determined attacking move. First half

Also appreciated. Although initially incomplete, Bolehall wanted to play this match.

Celebration time after the first goal and some different players took part in this home side today.

First half and both sides are determined and played a meaningful, yet totally sportsmanlike game today.

The sporting side to football is seen here as the two team managers meet and shake hands before the kick off. Gary Birch is on the left .

Another goal, to the delight of the visiting Groundhoppers ( no, not penguins ) from Lancashire and South London. Good brew. Good game.

Leaping high for the ball. One of several delightful moments seen throughout the match

My best photo of the season. Goal!

Second half and some of the younger Wood squad are firing on all cylinders. Shooting at goal from hither and thither. Kept the spectators full attention!

Just before half time and another goal to the Wood. Ouch

Second half free kicks masterfully parried over the bar by Bolehall keeper. Super soccer

Second half and no sign of players wilting in the gentle sunshine.

Second half and will Bolehall try different tactics to try to break through the Iron defences of the Wood?

Second half and another interesting duel.

Clever passing and team understanding have been evident this season. The fruit of fine team management and encouragement off the pitch and skilful soccer immediately actioned on the pitch

Late in the second half and still Bolehall are determined to score a goal. They played well, but ultimately superior ball skills won the game for the Wood today

Bolehall Swifts and the officials honour Walsall Wood by applauding them on to the field. That’s a fine gesture, appreciated by all the spectators.

Images and captions Kindly supplied by the young David Evans

Yesterday afternoon (Saturday 12th May 2018) saw the last match of the Midland Football League for 2017/18 season, and league winners Walsall Wood FC entertained Bolehall Swifts at Oak Park in an early match starting at 12 noon.

I think i22t’s safe to say the Woodmen pulverised the Tamworth lads, winning 12-0. I don’t think I’ve ever known the Woodmen to win by such a startling margin.

The young Davids Evans was there for a rather unique match:

Walsall Wood 12 v 0 Bolehall Swifts

This was a goalfest. The Wood were in total control throughout this match, scoring 12 well crafted goals. Bolehall swifts, to their eternal credit, played  despite only  initially having 8 team members at the kick off. This number grew to 10 before half time.

Walsall Wood played superior football in every facet of the game today and Bolehall Swifts were forced to play their hearts out, but sadly they could not match or counter the skills shown by Walsall Wood.

The final score brought with it some amazing season’s statistics, which will doubtless cause some alarm and headscratching among other clubs in this league and equally those in  clubs the Wood will play against in the forthcoming season.

There has been some  spectator discussion over the past few weeks regarding the scheduling of this season’s matches and an interesting  suggestion that more games be played in the autumn season to counteract the  dramatic halt in fixtures caused by extreme winter weather,  thus alleviating the need for the heavy loading of remaining fixtures in the tail end of the season has been posited.

But that, as they say, is for others, elsewhere to contemplate.

David

There’s always good footy at Walsall Wood, and thanks David and Russell for the reports and media – here’s to a bright new season starting later in the year.2

In the meantime, here’s some match footage of the Nuneaton Griff match from last week that arrived too late to get it in the match report:

Wonderfully professional match footage as ever,  from Russell Smith and The-wood.tv