Understandable joy as Romulus celebrate. It was a good goal.

The Wood celebrate their third goal . I wonder what the Romulus player was saying?

First half and the Wood gradually take the upper line …here, a near miss following deft passing.

Second half and Romulus score their second goal to bring the score equal. This is turning in to a real humdinger of a contest.

From the shade of the stand as the Wood return the pressure. First half. And so nearly a goal.

Two teams, eager to play against their opponents for the first time, but first a toss of a coin.

Close marking, sometimes very close marking. First half

Later in the second half and the Wood are outplaying a dejected Romulus now. A warning to all the other teams in this league that they too will have the experience of playing against this new squad in due course.

Early in a re-focused second half and Romulus score a goal, to bring the score to two goals to nil, to the Wood. No slacking now chaps.

Very early in the first half and Romulus put the Wood under pressure in true non league fashion

The final whistle is..eventually..blown and twenty two sportsman who have played their hearts out and thrilled all the spectators, shake hands, to applause from all who have been privileged to enjoy this contest. An excellent display of positive football. A game not to have missed, for any reason.

Romulus celebrate their second goal and are gear to get on with the game….but..well, you know the Wood….

Second half and following a series of moves worthy of a National squad, the Wood score their third and ultimately winning goal. Better than a holiday in the Caribbean any time.

From today’s matchday programme is this fine photo showing the squad to start the new season, the name of the team sponsors, the famous Nike logo, and the club crest.

Noticeable in the second half was Romulus tactic of assigning two players to one Wood forward. Different. Would it be effective?

Late in the second half and Romulus and the Wood battle it out right to the final whistle. Fruity football

The Wood celebrate their first goal of the new season.

Second half and the first yellow card of the new season goes to an over exuberant and vocal Romulus player.

Later in the first half and Joey Butlin is on song, scoring the first goal. Thunderous applause from the parched spectators. Within a few minutes my camera had a senior moment during which the Wood scored their second goal. Humph. Soon be half time and vital hydration.

First half and one of the many displays of fine soccer.

Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans

A pleasant summer’s afternoon match at Oak Park that kicked off the 2018/19 football season at Walsall Wood yesterday (Saturday 4th August 2018) saw visiting Romulus beaten in a hard fought match by the boys from the Wood.

This year’s football reports will be courtesy of David Evans and Russell Smith of The-Wood.tv, in loving memory and dedication to the late, great and much-missed Bill Shaw.

David Evans said:

Walsall Wood 3 v 2 Romulus

A fine opening match of the new season to thrill and delight the home and visiting spectators, making their first visit to the Theatre of Dreams.

The sun shone brightly and the two teams battled it out in fine positive and commendable sporting manner in the tropical heat  here at Oak Park. In true non-league fashion the visitors tried to make an initial lightning attack, but the Wood were well prepared and as the game progressed the Wood’s composure and superior play shone through.

At half time the Wood were two goals to nil up, but you had that feeling that Romulus had more to give as the second half began. Yes, two good, well-worked goals bought Romulus level  within a short while.

Professional video report of the match from Ruseel Smith’s The_Wood.tv.

The Wood then showed a measure of mature composure and level of skill that would grace any national team as they worked their way steadily and positively to score their third and winning goal.

Romulus, perhaps understandibly saw their accuracy of passing deteriorate as frustration and the tropical heat wore away at their spirit, but, to their credit, they played a well-natured, positive, sporting game throughout

The game ended to well-deserved applause from all the spectators..and for all the players

David

Thanks to David there – For The Good Of The Wood!

Walsall Wood Football Club are a top local side and last season’s league champions with a big-hearted faithful who know how to have a great time supporting their lads, and welcome all comers to come enjoy great local soccer.

The boys from The Wood have been at the heart of the local community for a century or more, so please do go check out a match or two if you’re curious.