First half and the Wood are turning up the pressure and Lye defence is tested. This was to be an end to end game today.

Today’s visitors are wearing blue.

First half and some interesting skills by the Wood, and ploys by the visitors, began to show through. This was wholemeal soccer.

The match ends and the Wood players shake hands with nearly all of their opponents. Honours even, then.

Late in the first half and Lye threaten the Wood’s defence. Some odd tumbles and falls by one of the Lye players caused amusement and reaction in the stand by this stage.

Late in the second half and both teams are hungry for a win, and determined not to lose. A man’s game that sorted out some of the chaff from the grain today

Early in the game and the Wood player turns and outruns his opponent, who was already showing early signs of frustration. Ominous, as it turned out.

Second half and excellent throw-ins by both teams underlined the determination of the players.

Second half and the linesperson(?)s’ skill and perception shone through again and again in the course of this game, supporting the referee’s view of events.

Second half, and following a half time hydration and comfort break for the spectators, and a gentle cup of tea and cucumber sandwich session for the teams, the score is still no goals. Lots of action of various kinds, but no score. How will the second half develop?

Late in the second half and so very nearly.

Customary handshake before the start of a competitive game of local soccer , Black Country style

Second half and an attack on goal by the Wood causes increasing frustration among the vocally active Lye players. Interesting accent and vocabulary.

A study in concentration, and spectator enjoyment. First half

Second half and delightful ball skills by players in both teams continue to entertain the spectators

Second half and this adult game of sharp soccer kept spectators and officials on their toes. Would a breakthrough by Walsall Wood come?

Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans.

Bank Holiday Monday afternoon (27th August 2018) Walsall Wood were at home entertaining Lye Town – and the Wood lads held the visitors to a no score draw.

David Evans was there as always and submitted the following report:

Bank Holiday Monday 27th August 2018
Walsall Wood 1 v 3 Lye Town

Lye came to try to show the Wood that they were higher in the league, or so it seemed at first, but were taken to task by a determined and capable side at Oak Park. The final score, a scoreless draw, belies the effort and largely sporting nature of the contest.

Professional video report of the match from Ruseel Smith’s The-Wood.tv.

Some heavy tackles, some certainly sailing close to the wind, some sporting challenges, some less than acceptable behaviour and antics mainly from the visitors, sadly made this a difficult match for the officials. This said, it was their excellent perception at one juncture that brought a newness and brightness to some of the play. The ensuing quality of the match benefitted from this.

Overall good passing, ball control, running with the ball, and some delicious dexterity from some of the Woods players brought smiles and applause at times during the encounter. But as both teams were so evenly matched, much to the consternation of the visitors, the match was a heavy, hard-fought contest here today.

Professional video report of the match from Ruseel Smith’s The-Wood.tv.

The Wood will feel some pleasure and justification with the final result, though, perhaps slightly disappointed not to have won as they seemed to be gaining the upper hand especially after a bewildering series of unacceptable antics had been dealt with by the match officials.

My thanks to David for a great report – and for all those he selflessly writes and send to me after every match. They really are popular, and a credit to David and the club.

Walsall Wood have a reputation for being a great, community spirited group of people and these reports demonstrate that – it’s an honour and joy to feature them here.

For the good of the Wood!