a stiff chill breeze bringing with it an aroma all of its known was to make its presence known today

The first half gets under way as spectators look around wondering..well, wondering..

The contest was to be characterised by the patently different style of soccer that is required of all players, on synthetic grass.

Early first half action as Romulus, in red, attack the Wood’s goal.

Bright sunshine, a stiff breeze and the proximity of the nearby treatment works underlined the match

First half still, and another of the several “oh so close” attacks by the Wood put the home team under pressure.

Another near miss by the Wood, confused, perhaps by the numerous practise goalmouths dotted hither and thither around the pitch. The first half was all this, and the earthy aroma.

Later in the first half and a corner header by the Wood narrowly misses its target. Romulus made several rapid breakaway moves in this half.

Nearly half time but no top class beefburger awaiting to thaw me out..and yet.

Second half and a different camera. Wood now kicking in to the left and in to the swirling capricious breeze.

Second half and different tactics are evident. Romulus are re-energised and begin to put the Wood to the test. Bosting! This was another near miss attack by the Wood.

Second half, a different camera and a different position to take photos, the breeze and something else having chilled my soul in the stand.

Second half and a markedly more confident Romulus bring the Wood to their toes, reversing the first half dominance by the Wood abruptly to an end. Super to spectate and appreciate.

The Wood in action as only they know, and challenge Romulus defence at one of the numerous goalmouths. A sense of imminent “goal” is felt by spectators as they chump and blow to try to bring warmth to their bodies. Hot stuff on the pitch, though!

Later in the second half and Wood are working their way, surely, to scoring a goal. Not if Romulus have any say in the matter!

Second half, much later. Then suddenly it come comes right for the Wood and the ball slams in to the back of the net. Over an hour and a half needed for one of the sides to break through, and today it’s the Wood.

Celebration time for the Wood after scoring their well-deserved and hard- fought first goal. It was to be the only goal of the match. Wood supporters leap for joy, as best as they can, that is.

Later in the second half and the Wood are on the crest of a wave as they hammer the Romulus defence who, to their credit,play their heart out and launch their own counter attacks. Final part of the game and minutes seem like hours for the Wood.

Final moments of an excellent hard, entertaining game, played like a breath of fresh air, on a plastic pitch near the motorway and the settlement ponds.

The match ends. A thoroughly good games played with spirit and endeavour by two sporting sides.

Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans

A chilly afternoon downwind of the rather aromatic Minworth Sewage Works at Romulus FCs Castle Vale ground rewarded the Wood faithful today (Saturday 6th April 2019) with a win in a hard fought but enjoyable encounter.

First up David Evans was there, and sent the above images and the following report – and following at the foot of the post, an additional report and footage from recent matches.

David Evans wrote:

Romulus FC 0 v 1 Walsall Wood FC
Saturday 6th April 2019

The football ground was probably the easiest one for me to find, situated in Castle Vale, just off the Spitifre Island. Impressive stand and complex, beautiful green grass. But not real grass. However the unusual –  ripe – aroma that pervaded the ground from the nearby ‘water treatment facility’ had nothing synthetic about it.

No matter. A goodly choir of Wood away supporters of various ages,  diameters and heights managed to squeeze through the eye-wateringly narrow turnstile [Lay off the half time doughnuts David! – Bob], regain composure and then, having made the necessary personal realignments, made their way  to the welcome indoor bar before resolving to take their seats or positions around the perimeter wire fencing out in the open air.

Such was the unpredictability and force of the breeze that occasionally a wayward kick directed the football toward the more vocal of the spectators sat sitting in the stand. The said supporters retained their vocality, however.

The contest proved to be captivating and thrilling throughout the entire game today. Played at a fast pace and on the hard unyielding surface, we witnessed a level of accuracy of passing and determination of leaping that we see on a real pitch. Players of both sides demonstrated a fine ability to adapt the style of football to the demands of the day. Full credit.

It was the Wood who were first to show their composure and dominance, with swift moves, possession and control; yet Romulus , too demonstrated that they were playing on a surface they were well accustomed to. There seemed to be a fine balance of steady moves and deceptive counter moves… By both teams.

The half time whistle brought the players a necessary break with the usual cucumber sandwiches and cup of hot tea, served by their doting managers. Meanwhile, supporters, who by now were gasping for something liquid, to rinse their vocal chords, and something solid, to subdue the complaining rumbles from their half-frozen empty bellies, made their way to the welcoming bar, warmth, and then, slightly unsteadily, perhaps to snack bar.

The second half began as supporters resigned themselves to brave both the cold and neighbouring earthy aromas.

Romulus were visibly re-energised and seemed to have the upper hand at times, launching attacks and dashes in to the Woods half. The Wood, for their part, were resilient in defence as always and employed different tactics, which, after what seemed an eternity, brought a beautifully crafted and executed goal for the visitors.

The visiting supporters, who outnumbered the home supporters, erupted in shouts of delight, cheers, and other well-known ways. It was  near the final ten minutes of the match and now Romulus threw everything, overcoming understandable frustration, attempting to gain a goal. But, today, mercifully, the day was the Wood’s.

Final score: Romulus nil, Walsall Wood FC one goal.

Now, who do the Wood play next?  Oh yes, that town near Heanor. Should  turn out to be an interesting match, that one, my ducks..

David

Thanks to David there – For The Good Of The Wood!

I notice also we recently had some match footage of the Saturday 23rd March 2019 Wood v Coventry Sphinx match posted up from the excellent and professional Russell Smith’s The-Wood.TV:

Additionally I have this report in from Simon Evans who attended the Loughborough away match last Saturday, another hard-fought Wood win.

Loughborough 1 v 2 Walsall Wood
Saturday 30th March 2019

Wood started the brightly, Paul Sullivan with an effort that the defender blocked, Loughborough countered and forced a corner, which was cleared. On 15 minutes, Paul Sullivan’s effort was straight at the keeper. Wood soon got the first goal, Mitch Tolley’s effort finding the back of the net.

Loughborough then had a brief spell of pressure, a freekick going just wide. Just before half time, Javia Roberts lobbed the oncoming Loughborough keeper from distance, but the ball bounced just wide. Loughborough countered and won a corner. The corner was swung in and found the corner of the net. The ref then blew for half time.

Wood started the second half brightly, Javia Roberts effort was deflected onto the Loughborough crossbar by Matt Dodds. From a corner, Kyle Rowley headed just wide, Matt Dodds then went on a 40 yard run, beating defenders, but the keeper was equal to the effort. Javia Roberts effort was well saved by the Loughborough keeper.

It was all Wood at this point. Wood sub Joey Butlin’s header from close range went agonisingly just over the bar. The last few minutes from a Loughborough attack, they won a freekick, which LLoyd Ransome in the Wood goal gathered. Then an effort from Loughborough went wide.

On  86 minutes a Joey Butlin freekick saw the Loughborough keeper make a fine save for a corner, the resulting corner wasn’t cleared and Kyle Rowley’s header forced the keeper to make another good save. With time almost up, Wood had a freekick, the ball was met by Kyle Rowley who’s header found the back of the net. Within seconds the ref had blown for full time.

Simon

Walsall Wood Football Club are a top local side and last season’s league champions with a big-hearted faithful who know how to have a great time supporting their lads, and welcome all comers to come enjoy great local soccer.

The boys from The Wood have been at the heart of the local community for a century or more, so please do go check out a match or two if you’re curious.