first celebration time, beating my camera

First half. Concentration as Gresley captain Sullivan observes, and takes in the strategy of the home side.

The match ends as abruptly as it had started, and, to applause from all the spectators who have been treated to a fine display of meaningful soccer.

First goal coming up,to the Wood. A repost by the goalkeeper is hammered in to the net.

The two captains, and last season team colleagues, shake hands.

Second half and there, in the distance, Gresley score their well-deserved second goal as the Wood lose their composure. Ouch

Early moments in the game and its Gresley who are up to the challenge. This is going to be a cracker of a game

A penalty to the Wood and a superb save by Gresley goalkeeper brings applause from all the spectators. It was that kind of a game here today.

later in the second half and the Wood make some substitutions..to good effect, but it is Gresley who are calling the shots in these later stages of the game. All credit to them.

Third goal to the Wood and it is not yet half time. Super football being played here today, by both sides

a quick moment to take a group photo….Not a moment to waste…

Gresley are keen to get on with the game….

Second half and a rejuvenated Gresley score their first goal as their supporters applaud. Understandable and appreciated by their team.

The Wood are flying high. How will Gresley respond? A goal by the visitors will surely bring them the spur they need.

Second half and a fourth goal to the Wood. Will Gresley employ different tactics to claw back a goal?

Half time and the beefburger van is busy. Makes a person hungry, and thirsty, does spectating soccer, you know.

First half and the second, quick fire rifle shot of a goal. Wood now two goals to nil in the lead,

aa final check by the referee and then, to a rousing cheer from all the spectators, the match gets under way as some stragglers stock up on beefburger and tea before taking their seats.

Overture and beginners! The clubhouse and verdant grass look splendid to honour the start of the new soccer season.

Second half and an injured home goalkeeper is put to the test as Gresley turn up the heat.This is beginning to be a bit of a worry for the home supporters

Images and captions kindly supplied by the young David Evans

Walsall Wood FC kicked off the new season on Saturday 3rd August 2019 with a decisive win over Gresley FC at Oak Park – a good start that delighted the faithful.

David Evans was there, and sent the following match report.

He wrote:

Walsall Wood FC 4 v 2 Gresley FC
Saturday 3rd August 2019

Walsall Wood welcomed Gresley footballers and their  supporters to Oak Park to herald the beginning of the new season, a season which  promises to be one where the home side will have to work hard for every point they get.

A new season and a new team here at Oak Park. New rules and regulations have been brought in to this league’s games and all paid-up members,- players, clubs and match officials –  have the added dimension of a  sin bin and, perhaps, a greater issue of yellow and red cards, to illuminate and grace the occasion.

There has been discussion among the followers of the noble game, of course. How will match officials implement and measure the sharpened rules? How will players respond? Who will be the first to be offered a ten-minute sideline seat? How many sinners could there be? Will the character of the game be improved for players and especially for spectators?

A mighty extra weight of responsibility has been placed on the referees, here in the Midland League.

The match this afternoon was a super game to spectate. All the players displayed new season freshness and eagerness to score the first goal. Some in-play early positioning adjustments were made by both sides, some rapid acceptance of the sharpness of decisions, and the game soon settled down to a fluid display of accurate passing, long shots and well-practiced manoeuvres, especially from the home team. By the end of the first half  the Wood had scored  three well taken goals.

Half time brought a time for spectators to attend to their need for  vital hydration, and  to fill  empty tummies. It also gave the  team managers  the opportunity to serve their teams cups of tea and sandwiches, and engage in polite conversation in the privacy of the changing rooms.

The second half brought new tactics, mainly sporting, by the visitors and an increased sense of consternation by some home players, yet to adjust to the new game rules. Gresley took the game to the Wood and as the Wood seemed to be in some bafflement, they scored two goals, after the Wood had scored their fourth goal.

Understandable frustration, more an over enthusiasm by a few players in both teams, gave the match officials plenty to do  in this match.

Corners came by the bucketful today. Players gathered in  sporting proximity to each other and leapt for the sky again and again in this second half. Both goalkeepers performed well and up to standard as the tempo increased and the sharp rain fell to drench every player at one point.

The final score, a four goals to two win for the home side gives both managers plenty to consider, study and implement in the next games. This season has got off to a flying start and all those present, home and visiting supporters return  to their homes with a cracker of a  game to remember.

David Evans

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

Walsall Wood Football Club are a top local side 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.