Yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 3rd November 2018), Walsall Wood F.C. entertained Derbyshire club Dronfield Town at Oak Park, and in an entertaining, gripping match the Woodmen sent the visitors home defeated, three goals to one.

David Evans was there to enjoy the match, and wrote:

The magnificent new clubhouse room, in all its glory. The fruit of great endeavour and love for the club. Pro Bono Sylvae.

A minute’s silence to remember Leicester’s tragic loss. Respect

An early foray by the Wood as the game develops.

First half. Challenging windy conditions for all the players , especially the goalkeepers

First half and players have to come to terms with the blustery conditions, which they did.

This was a thrilling game. No antagonism, no complaining. But that’s Derbyshire teams. Respect

First half and one of the Wood’s numerous magicians begins to enchant and bewilder. Smashing!

Later in the first half. Good, clean, competitive soccer. delightful to watch and enjoy.

Later in the first half and no let up in the pace or quality football at any point in this match

First half and a visiting player receives attention. He was a solid ,consistent sportsman today.

Later in the first half. First goal as the Wood find a way, a chink, and create a scoring chance. Super.

The briefest of celebrations then back to work for the Wood, now leading one goal to nil. How mill Dronfield respond?

First half. Excellent passing, running, marking on display by both teams. A fast game.

First half and Dronfield respond in a positive, well worked manner . Here, they come close to scoring

Nearly half time. No burger van. Must have a word, really must

Second half and both teams now employ different tactics as each strive to exert pressure.

Second half and Dronfield continue to work hard to score an equalising goal.

Second half and Dronfield come close to scoring. We have a game!

Anxious moments for a spectator. Good coffee.

Second half and each high ball is challenged, each pass is well worked. Super soccer.

Second half. End to end soccer. A display of delightful deft footwork by players of both teams.

Second half. Free kick to the Wood and an excellent goal. The Wood are on song.

Celebration. The Wood team spirit. A big challenge, now, for Dronfield

Second half and the Wood score their third goal.

Dronfield, now trailing by three goals, have to try every manoeuvre in their repertoire now

Competitive, hard, fair soccer. A credit to all the players.

Later in the second half and through determination and skill Dronfield score their first goal.

A brief moment to celebrate and then Dronfield set their minds on scoring another goal.

Dronfield come so close to scoring, but to no avail as Wood’s famous defence is up to the mark. It has to be.

Then, inevitably, the match ends. Two able and competent teams have delighted us with their soccer skills today.Well done, every player.

Images and captions kindly supplied by David Evans

Hi Bob

Walsall Wood 3 v 1  Dronfield Town

It would be somewhat of a slight injustice to call today’s game a typical cup tie match. The quality of ball control, passing, tackling and turning were of the highest standard throughout. There were very few slack passes by either team. On the contrary we were thrilled to see accuracy and skill on display. There was no complaining by players or officials. This made for an entertaining and captivating contest, I am pleased to note, where the referee’s decisions and officiating was respected and accepted by all, both on and off the field of play.

The blustery, unpredictable sharp wind could have marred and adversely affected the quality of football. But not today, to the credit of the players whose skill and ability allowed them to quickly adapt to this additional challenge.

The game flowed from end to end; sometimes from long kicks from goal, sometimes from delicious throw-ins, sometimes from swift breakaway lunges. This was a game where spectators dare not blink .

The minutes sped by in the first half, with neither side seemingly able to counter their opponents’ determination and defences. Until, a glint, a mere chink, a bobble of a pass and the Wood pounced and scored that precious first goal. Now we were to see how Dronfield would respond and the game, already played at pace showed another level of determination and commitment as each player gave of his best, turning, running, sliding, wheeling , spinning round opponents… Super soccer to spectate and bringing frequent applause from spectators.

Half time and a cup of Earl Grey tea from bone china cups, and cucumber sandwiches, minus crusts, for the teams in the privacy of  their boudoirs. Meanwhile confused spectators fumbled around to partake of vital nourishment and urgent throat lubricant preparation for act two of this sporting drama.

The second half brought a second and a third goal to the Wood. A composed, proficient, capable and effective home side were showing their opponents a clean pair of heels. And yet, Dronfield showed their grit and determination in a true Derbyshire manner. They challenged, passed, ran their hearts out and gained a goal. And a very good goal, too.

However, the time had run out for them and the willing and sporting footballers from Dronfield left to pitch, sadly, without the victory they had worked so hard for. And with them they took the total respect from Walsall Wood, players, managers, club directors and spectators for the sporting manner in which they played their game here today. 
 
 David Evans

Thanks to David for the report and pictures – much appreciated – for The Good of the Wood!