Yesterday afternoon (23rd February 2019), Walsall Wood F.C. finally had a match at home following a few weeks away, having a looser schedule this year to help cover any bad weather.

The Woodmen held their own against Hereford’s Westfields, coming away with a respectable two all draw after a cracking game. With all four of the league’s top teams – Walsall Wood, Sporting Khalsa, Westfields and Ilkeston Town in matches against each other, yesterday’s results left Walsall Wood at second in the league.

The young David Evans makes a welcome return to match reporting after his recent illness, and sent the following photos and match report:

A delight to watch sportsman of quality and skill in action. The minutes fled by for all the spectators

A fine , bright afternoon and an important match for both teams, today

The game was played with skill and accuracy throughout the whole match. Super to spectate

A minute’s respectful applause in tribute to the great Gordon Banks

Goal to the Wood and the crowd jump to their feet, or are helped up, and spectators cheer, with accompanying horn accompaniment

Half time, and sustenance and cup of hot brew approach. Wont be long now, please ref.

The match ends and thunderous applause and appreciation by supporters of both teams, for all the players who have graced today’s match with their fine play, rings out. A special applause, too, for the managers of both sides was well deserved and sincere. For me this has been a match to remember and savour for a long time.

My super dooper camera has a mind of its own and closes just before goals are scored. Here, the Wood celebrate scoring a goal I missed.

One of the Wood’s fleet of foot wizards in action, teasing and tantalising his opponents again and again, to the delight and applause of the home supporters in the stand and around the pitch. Spirit!

Westfield put the Wood under pressure. Excellent sportsmanship and skills here by both teams.

Westfield were well up to todays challenge and jumped, headed, ran, sprinted, passed and tackled with aplomb. So did the Wood, in equal measure. A superb match to spectate.

An early foray in to the Westfield defence by the Wood. This was to be a cracker of a match, today

Penalty to the Wood, second half. A silence fell all around the ground. Teeth and dentures were clenched. Fine shot, excellent save by Westfield’s goalkeeper. Both goalies were given a lot to do today.

Second half and both teams are visibly energized by their half time break and cosy cup of tea and crumpet served by their managers.

a crisp, bright afternoon with football to match with the prospect of a top quality hotdog and cup of tea at half time.

Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans

 
 Hello Bob

Walsall Wood FC 2 v 2 Westfields FC

Today Walsall Wood FC welcomed Westfield, all the way up from Hereford. They have played here before, of course, and the quality of the visitors’ football, the positive sporting nature of their players, and the genuine greeting from their managers and directors always brings a note of  pleasure and good nature to their visits.

Today’s encounter was an important one for both sides. There was no animosity or grumbling from any of the players, no whinging or disrespect of the officials, who played their positive part in this memorable match.

The game started at a measured pace as each side were understandably careful to settle down to play  the strategy and moves they had practised and rehearsed in training.

The large body of spectators, in the stand or around the touchline were to thrill at the top class display of football skills on show by both sides. Fine  midfield jumping, passing, rapid wing dashes along the touchline, accurate tackles, searching long kicks, all were there in abundance this afternoon. 

Time fled past for the spectators. Goals came from largely well-worked manoeuvres, penalties were correctly awarded. Corner kicks were taken and delivered well by both sides.

It was difficult to keep up with the sheer pace of the play for spectators.

Blink and you surely missed something important. A large contingent of local youths joined in the vocal appreciation chorus line and applause as they, too, enjoyed the famous  WWFC Red Army in action.

The final whistle was blown, applause and cheers rang out all around the ground. Players shook hands. An excellent game in every sense. A fair result.

As ever, thanks to David for the report – always appreciated. Keep gwarnin, for The Good of the Wood!