a beautiful early autumn afternoon and the Wood welcome Lye, from the deep south of the Black Country , to Oak Park.

an arm tattoo to be admired, indeed.

The game is under way and the Wood launch the first attacking move

the first few minutes… Before the shock.

Shock horror. Its Lye who score the first goal, and within a handful of minutes play, too. Lofty number 11, who was set to exhibit his full palette of play in today’s match, scores a very odd goal from a bobbly corner kick. Ouch.

sporting, solid soccer as only the Black Country know, was on show today.

the Wood worked hard, they had to, to gain their equalising goal, shortly before half time.

celebration, and a measure of relief as Wood draw level at one goal each .

Lye’s number five, seen making his presence felt in this encounter. All the players knew he was there.

New season. New rules. A time of learning for some players, still, it seems.

Half time and time for some neck oil and a burger.

Second half and two fast players share a moment to be in close proximity before breaking away.

Captain Splendid . Brilliant, dependable. Nice boots, too.

Owed on cocker! Lye score a dramatic second goal. A thundering silence drops like a ton of coal among the home supporters. Ringing cheers and a clatter of dentures breaks out among the visiting supporters.

Lye are chuffed! The Wood are aghast.

Close marking. An example of. Not always a good idea.

Whale oil. Lye score anutherun to mekitte three.

Later in the second half. Substitution time. Fresh legs, lungs and a quick dash of courage. This has been a game played at full tilt.

Second half and the Wood break through a wall of blue to score their second goal. Smorlyekit

Time is running out and the Wood are keen to get on with the game.

Another goal ( ouf!) brings the Wood level. Seat -cushion clenching time for all the spectators

the match is nearly at an end. Spectators have seen excellent soccer and have been nourished and refreshed by the quality of football exhibited by both teams.

The ref blows for full time and tired players shake hands with their opponents and colleagues. A delightful, if nail-biting match to spectate. Fair result

Yesterday afternoon (Saturday 31st August 2019) Walsall Wood F.C. entertained Lye Town at Walsall Wood. A tense, nail-biting match full of drama that the young David Evans watched keenly to see the two teams draw in a six goal match that constantly entertained.

Before that though, it’s good to see Russell Smith back on the case with TheWood.TV – here is the latest video of the home clash against Haughmond FC a couple of weeks ago. Sit back and enjoy some really professional video media from The Daddy:

See more at TheWood.TV here

Walsall Wood F.C. 3 v 3 Lye Town F.C.
Saturday 31st August 2019

The beautifully manured green grass football field glinted in the afternoon sun, freshly watered by a fleeting shower and  the stiff goal nets glinted and swayed in the gentle breeze that tickled the corner flags. The ruler-straight white lines and the freshly decorated clubhouse all combined to bring a heart-warming sense of expectation and excitement for spectators, players and officials at Oak Park today.

It is always a pleasure to welcome Lye Town footballers and  their spectators, too. A friendly smile, a handshake and a glass of neck oil before the match and the spirit of local soccer shone brightly.

The match brought a shock early goal for Lye and a suddenly the Wood knew that a full ninety minutes’ endeavour and thrusting football was on the cards. Both sides showed the skills  that spectators are privileged to witness in most matches and certainly in every Lye-Walsall Wood match. Good, accurate passing and ball control by both teams, plus a variety of moves to launch attacking moves, to perform some brilliant tackling moves and turning, athletic leaping and heading of the ball, this match had everything.

It took the Wood most of the first half to gain that merciful goal to bring the scores level at one goal each.

Half time brought a much needed break for managers to consider the fruits of their  respective teams’ first half endeavours, and for spectators to compare notes, enjoy refreshment, and wonder how the second half would evolve. Lye had showed the Wood that they were no easy team to beat. The Wood needed to adapt and adopt if they were to win this match

The goalkeepers had been a delight to watch.

The second half brought its own suspense as Lye went ahead, two goals, then three goals to one. Surely the Wood could come back at least to draw level? A penalty awarded to Lye, a fine goal to Lye. Then, some deft and timely substitutions were made by the home team, to bring fresh legs and lungs. A full-on determination was now evident in both sides. Both teams wanted to win this match, of all matches.

There was very little untoward play by any player in this encounter. The officials were thus allowed to enjoy a game played by two sporting sides. Spectators appreciated the range of skills that this match encompassed and displayed.

The final result was a well deserved three goals to three goals draw and Lye will go home well pleased with their performance, despite the call of ‘Where am we?’ from their bench at one moment during the latter stages of the game.

My thanks to David for a great report – and for all those he selflessly writes and send to me after every match. They really are popular, and a credit to David and the club.

Walsall Wood have a reputation for being a great, community spirited group of people and these reports demonstrate that – it’s an honour and joy to feature them here.

For the good of the Wood!