Yesterday afternoon (Saturday, 29th December 2018), Walsall Wood F.C. entertained Long Eaton United at home – and the visitors left defeated by some margin.

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

Walsall Wood’s famous stand and the hearty welcome the club is famous for. Good start!

The thrill of the football to come ,and the promise of a top class beefburger, too.

the pre-match customary handshake as two teams prepare to play, and spectators get ready to enjoy the sport that promises to captivate and enthral.

The first minute and a lightning attack by the Wood nearly brings a shock goal. Jolly good.

First half, a few minutes later and its Long Eaton who set the game alight as they respond. This is going to be a thriller, I can feel it in my screws.

Later in the first half. yes, this is a fine display of close harmony football..and appreciably no complaining, or attempts to manipulate decisions by this week’s visitors , from Nottingham.

First half and already some delicious examples of the sport bring applause from the spectators, again and again. Long Eaton’s captain, as Walsall Wood’s, indeed, played a masterly game.

Walsall Wood’s captain. First half and before an amazing piece of artistic football by him. Bless

Still the first half and the Wood are edging towards scoring the first goal of the match, but Long Eaton are determined that this shall not be. Super, class football is delighting the appreciative spectators.

First half and Long Eaton are finding a way through the famous Red Line with worrying frequency as the Wood “gird their loins” to defend and repel the ominous threat.

Later in the first half. Some frustration, perhaps, results in the Man in Black having a pre-emptive gentle word , then its on with the game. I can smell the beefburgers cooking.

nearly half time and its Long Eaton whose star is in the ascendancy. Time for an early beefburger.

Only a few minutes to go to half time now and you can sense the need for the teams to have a moment of calm, and for me to have a beefburger so I missed seeing a moment of end of year madness on the field at this point. Totally out of character with the rest of the game, apparently.

Second half and two revitalised teams emerge, though Long Eaton are now minus the player who had been required to take a long, early bath. How would the visitors respond and adapt? Within a few minutes the Wood fire a free kick shot to score the first goal of the match.

Second half and Joey Butlin’s millimetre accurate long range free kick has broken the impasse and the Men in all red , socks included, rejoice. The game has come alight. How will the sporting visitors respond?

Second half. Long Eaton now have a challenge, a task to accomplish, and are handicapped by the loss of one player for the rest of the game.

Later in the second a wake=up call for the Wood. Long Eaton are not done yet, not by a long way. Super soccer match, in every respect. A credit to the players and their respectful managers.

Second half. Remember the famous long range goal scoring shot by Pele, many years ago? Well the Wood’s fabulous captain did exactly the same here today, before our eyes. Second goal to WWFC

Second half and the team rush to congratulate Captain Tolley, who is visibly chuffed, as are the home supporters, in fact.

Later in the second half and some understandably dispirited visiting supporters are eager for their team to score a goal. Or perhaps the local half time brew is taking effect now. But, Long Eaton are not slackening their pace, but parry and thrust, pass and challenge at every moment.

The Wood, in a blur and the gloom of the final part of the game, score their third goal…and a peach of a goal it is, too.

a quick moment to celebrate and the ref calls for a resumption of the game. Understandable. The game is nearly over but spectators have enjoyed the game and the positive sporting nature of this week’s visiting team.

Images and captions kindly supplied by David Evans

Hi Bob

Walsall Wood FC vs Long Eaton, 29 December 2018

Walsall Wood 3 v 0 Long Eaton

This was a game that I looked forward to with eager interest. I like the positive, fair-minded manner in which the visiting team play football, and the courteous, respectful manner in which their managers carry out their touchline duties. For this reason and for the joy of seeing the resurgent home team take on their opponents I was keen to arrive at the Oak Park ground early.

I had been told there was a special, historically important photo for me to view. A  welcome pot of tea awaited me and I took a few moments to savour the 1922 team photo, with the magnificent Walsall Senior Cup there in the centre of the photo.

The first half of today’s match was captivating. Accurate passing, fast running, all the skills that make up the game were on display. The time flashed by for me – a true indication of the enthralling nature of the contest. But, no breakthrough by either side despite varied approaches and attacking moves.

One moment of consternation, when frustration at being out-played brought a yellow card…And sadly, later a red card for one hapless player, leaving the visitors ten men left. 

The first half ended and there was a very welcome break for all the players, who, up to that point, had played a very fast flowing game.

The second half brought new tactics, and a few substitutions by both sides in their endeavour to take the lead. This came for Walsall Wood from a superbly accurate long-range free kick. Bang. Straight over the goalkeeper and in to the back of the sproutbag. Elation for home supporters. Mutterings from friendly but worried visiting supporters.

Now the visitors took on their challenge with added zeal, but, in pressing forward, their defences were left, erm… Thin, and Captain Marvellous, Mitch Tolley fired a Pele-quality long range shot from near half way to lob over the goal keeper. Bang. Two nil. How would Long Eaton respond?
With fluid play and clever moves the visitors put the home side under pressure. The game had plenty of life left in it, then!

However, the Wood’s fleet-of-foot lads dazzled and shone… And a third goal was scored to bring the final score to three goals to nil for Walsall Wood

Long Eaton again earned the respect and admiration of the home supporters, who applauded  players being substituted, joining with the visiting supporters. But, that is Nottingham and Derbyshire spirit, so welcome to see here at Walsall Wood, evidenced by respect for the officials, accepting decisions without question , complaint or inappropriate language.

True sportsmen.

 David Evans

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