Walsall Wood welcome the lofty players from Coventry before a positive sporting display of soccer commences

The two managers shake hands before the match; a fine gesture that was repeated after the sporting match.

Early in the game and the Wood defend their goal. Unusually the home keeper wore blue and green, while Coventry’s keeper wore green top and shorts.

First half and both sides are testing their opponents whilst the excellent referee pays close attention

Despite the heavy drizzle making the surface difficult we saw lots of determined leaping for the ball, fast accurate tackles, off the ball running.

First half and the Wood are on the attack. Both keepers played superbly in this finely-balanced contest

Another attack on the Wood’s goal. First half

First half and the match is developing in to a delightful spectacle of soccer, despite the rain.

First half and United are on the attack..yet again. Come on the Wood

Two sides. Players giving their all in this encounter.

Nearly half time and I am on my way to put the kettle on for the welcome visiting committee.

Early in the second half and the Wood test the opponents’ keeper..and the defence, too

Second half and the pace refuses to slacken. Super soccer to spectate. Skilful soccer by both sides.

Second half..no, not quite, but so close.

Second half display of interesting hairstyles.

Midway through the second half and substitution time, by both teams, to appreciative applause from the supporters of both teams.

Second half and there, in a blur, is the only goal of the match..to the Wood

Celebration time. No piling on top of each other. This is grown up sport.

Second half and nearly another goal to the Wood. Smashing game to watch .

Later in the second half. The drizzle is incessant, the quality of football is unaffected. Sportsmen in action, enjoying their sport.

The referee earned the respect of the players and the managers. Correct and fair..and no barracking to contend with.

Later in the second half and the Wood’s keeper is about to make the save of the season..yes..I missed it! Applause all round from all the spectators.

One of Coventry’s very tall forwards take up position as they attack the Wood goal, again

Late in the second half and a determined leap, yet again, by a Wood centre player.

Game over and true sportsman smile and shake hands with all their opponents, to applause from appreciative spectators. Been a very good display of skilful soccer by all the players. Love soccer like this.

Images and captions kindly supplied by David Evans

Walsall Wood FC were at home to Coventry United yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 22nd September 2018, and much to the delight of the faithful, they Woodmen pulled off a hard-fought win.

Footage of the match highlights by Russell Smith for the wonderful, highly professional The-Wood.tv – similar footage of Tuesday’s Uttoxeter replay can be seen at this link here.

David Evans was there, and was pleased with what he saw:

Hiya Bob,

Walsall Wood 1 v 0 Coventry United

This afternoon’s soccer match brought a visually delightful display of soccer to thrill all those spectators who had braved the rain to watch this game. Some has travelled from Coventry and were  made welcome by the home supporters, as is the tradition here and at other grounds.

The heavy drizzle which lasted all through the match did not dampen the spirits of either the earnest players, their unruffled managers, or  even  the keen  spectators. 

This was going to be a display of fine, quality soccer. I could sense this before the kick off. It was indeed a contest which showed  mature, graceful play – through passes, ball control, measured off the ball running, determined leaping for balls; all reflecting two proficient sides whose team understanding and cohesion was self-evident.

Walsall Wood fielded some different players today following the wear and tear and injuries sustained in the last week or so, thus giving a fresh look to the team, and the opportunity to employ fresh tactics from the repertoire.

The score remained at no goals to either side as half time brought a welcome break for players and spectators. Tea and cucumber sandwiches for the players and their managers, in private.

Both sides displayed different patterns of play in the second half; made various substitutions to bring a new balance to their sides’ composition. The centre field players dominance and key roles remained as they had been in the first half. Solid, strong, powerful. Delightful to spectate. Both goalkeepers  played majestically and brilliantly. 

The hard work paid off when an eventual breakthrough goal came for Walsall Wood, and immediately Coventry responded in force, which brought greater endeavour too by the home side who launched attack after attack; with excellent defensive play by the visitors and home side.

As is always the case, the last minutes of a match can either zoom by or take an eternity to complete.  But this entire game today passed quickly for the spectators: a sure reflection of the captivating nature of the finely-balanced  contest.

The game ended with Walsall Wood winning by one goal to nil. But, there were no losers. Not today. This afternoon it was football, the sport and the players in both teams,  who were also the winners, as the applause that rang out at the end of the game bore witness.

Full respect for the players today.

David Evans

Thanks to David Evans once more for an honest, entertaining match report as ever complete with great photos. It really is an honour to feature them.

Check out Walsall Wood FC’s website here.