Second half of extra time. Are you following this? A blast of a shot just misses its target as Wood try everything in their vast repertoire to score that vital winner…..as do Uttoxeter, in fact

Uttoxeter grew in confidence as they took the game to the Wood, again and again. Cushion- clenching time for the spectators, vociferous and pastoral alike.

Extra time, indeed! Hammer and tong, full-bore football. Here we go again, then.

First half. Some moments were silky smooth soccer. This tangle was not one of them. Determination is frequently inelegant. A super game to spectate for this, from both sides, today.

First half. The game, perhaps because of its breakneck pace, was a difficult one for the officials who had the extra element of raw sporting passion spilling into the game. But, this was soon remedied.

First half and Uttoxeter fire an excellent snapshot to gain a well-deserved equalising goal.

Second half and Uttoxeter are on the attack.

Second half and even a passing “Spamcan” Cessna throttled back to watch the game. Here on the ground the players were at full throttle. No flaps No leaning of the mixture, either. Nice plane.

Second half dogged determination by Uttoxeter.

Pace in abundance. All through the game. Respect and credit to all the players this afternoon.

Early in the first half and an excellent goal to Wwfc…viewed, just about, from the goalside stand.

Late in the second half and Uttoxeter draw level. Another fine shot and well-worked goal. Love soccer!!

Celebration time, done as it should be, by the Wood. How will Uttoxeter respond?

The Wood celebrate their first goal. But, knowing Uttoxeter, I sensed that a lip-smacker of a game would soon develop. It did. As tasty a game as you could wish to enjoy, too

Second half, and a different viewpoint, very close to the touchline. Don’t get that at Wembley, you know. Wood are on the offensive here.

Second half and the Wood turn up the pressure. So adjectivally close.

Second half. Penalty to the Wood, rifled in to the back of the net. Away spectators of a certain age go bananas ( a medical term )

Second half and an un-harmonious moment for the referee to investigate. This, after a cup of Bovril, too. Kept the spectators enthralled.

Second half close work for two opponents. One of several fine contests that played out through the game

Both excellent goalkeepers, and both excellent midfield captains shone in this match.

Second half and a deceptive photo. The game was sporting and positive and devoid of malice

Early foray and brouhaha in the first half. Spot the ball

Later in the first half and Uttoxeter goalkeeper is again put to the test. Full marks for bravery

A beautiful afternoon, a fine location, good burgers and brew, and a game of soccer to savour.

Then suddenly, its all over. Well, for today. But the two teams will meet again in a while to battle it out yet again. I expect the match will be just as sporting and thrilling to watch as today’s has been.

Handshake before the start of a thundering contest at Uttoxeter’s beautiful ground. Wwfc in red

Uttoxeter celebrate in the briefest of manners. They mean business, this lot do!

Joy and, perhaps, a measure of relief, but credit to the team. Second half celebration moment

Pictures and captions Kindly supplied by the young David Evans.

A bit of a football special this week – a couple of reports and some orphaned footage I couldn’t fit in elsewhere: David Evans covered the Uttoxeter match and his son, Simon, the game from Cleethorpes tlast week – so pull up a chair and a brew and we’ll kick off.

Yesterday afternoon (Saturday 15th September 2018) Walsall Wood FC took a trip out into central Staffordshire to face Uttoxeter at their Oldfields ground – and came home after a cracking, tense math with a two-all draw that’s clearly unfinished business.

David Evans was there, and liked what he saw…

Hi Bob

Uttoxeter 2 v 2 Walsall Wood

A beautiful autumnal afternoon and a beautiful setting in Uttoxeter to watch a fine display of hard fought yet sporting cup-tie soccer between two proficient and determined teams. The elegant cricket pavilion stood proud and solid away in the distance,  its outdoor tables forlornly displaying the numerous relinquished empty  pint glasses glinting in the gentle thin sunshine, and the delicate aroma of best beefburgers and chips crept over the freshly cut grass. The scene was set. The contest was set to thrill and delight, in equal measure. 

Wood started brightly and scored a precious early first goal, to the chagrin of the home bench, whose passionate cries echoed shrill and curt for a while. Above the huffing and puffing, the click of boot on boot, the whack of squarely booted caseball, and the calling among the players.
 
Two teams of match-fit athletes, adept and crisp in their passing, running and shooting, brought this game into sharp focus. Youthful players on both sides ran like the wind, leapt, rolled, anticipated, out-manoeuvred, were robbed of the ball by superb tackles, headed with gusto and drive. This afternoon’s spectacle had everything-  except that deciding, winning goal, that is.

Substitutions were made by both sides, and with good effect, bringing fresh players to replace those who had taken the game to their opponents and whose limbs and lungs were tired by the contest. There was no letting up in the pace or industry of the players. Not in this game; not today. 

The final whistle was blown after extra time had been played out. This was no stale-mate game. It is unfinished business. The replay, here at Oak Park,  should be one for the archives

David Evans

There’s also the following footage which was published by the ever-excellent The-Wood.tv after the Stourport match review was published from 1st September:

Additionally, I have some images and a great review of the Walsall Wood away match at Cleethorpes last week (Saturday 8th September 2018) which the Woodmen sadly lost to the seasiders.

Simon Evans said:

Images kindly supplied by Simon Evans

Hi Bob

Cleethorpes 4 V 1 Walsall Wood 

Cleethorpes kicked off and from the start went straight at the Wood. Kyle Rowley heading clear within the first two minutes. Cleethorpes kept pressing and on 13 minutes they opened the scoring. A free kick eluded everyone in the box, Lloyd Ransome misjudged it and the ball ended up in the net: 1-0.

From the restart Cleethorpes gained possession, a dangerous cross was well claimed by LLoyd Ransome in the Wood goal. Wood went on the offensive, Javia Roberts broke free his cross eluded everyone in the box. After 20 minutes, Dean Rathbone’s 20 yarder hit the post via the keepers fingertips, the corner was cleared.

Cleethorpes attacked, a great tackle in the box by Mitchell Tolley, whilst everyone was expecting a corner, the referee pointed for a penalty, which was despatched 2-0. Wood then had a couple of free kicks which the Cleethorpes defence coped with.

Half time:  2-0

Wood started the second half, a couple of quick free kicks came to nothing. On 58 minutes Javia Roberts broke free but the shot was high.

Cleethorpes capitalised on some Wood overplay to make it 3-0. Wood then had a great chance, a pull back to Joey Butiln who was six yards out – his power blaster was goal bound, the keeper going the wrong way but his leg deflected the ball over the bar.

On 68 minutes a Cleethorpes free kick was headed in 4-0.

Wood responded and a couple of minutes later Kyle Rowley headed home 4-1. Cleethorpes were then down to 10 men for a challenge on Dean Rathbone. Kyle Rowley then had a couple of chances, his headers going over  following  freekicks.

The last attack saw Woods sub bear down on goal, there keeper making a fine save. 

FT Cleethorpes 4 – 1 Wood

Simon Evans

Cheers to David and Simon for great reports and images, and also to Russell for his great match footage, and of course to all down at Oak Park for more great community focussed football. 

It’s all for The Good of The Wood!