Photos kindly supplied by Simon Evans

Walsall Wood FC last weekend (Saturday 12th September 2019) ventured out to Leicester Road FC, hopefully to continue their unbeaten run – but the Leicester lads had other ideas, and a spirited, nailbiting match ensued.

Simon Evans was there, and was clearly pleased with the Woodmen’s performance:

Leicester Road FC 1 v 2 Walsall Wood
Saturday 12th September 2019

Wood progressed to the next round of the FA vase after a hard fought victory away at Leicester Road.

The first chance fell to Jack Till who capitalised on a backpass, but a covering defender was on hand to clear the danger. Leicester Road then forced a corner which fell to the striker who shot was over the bar. Leicester Road were applying some pressure, a shot went past the post. Wood then hammered a succession of corners but nothing came of them.

After 30 minutes Joey Butlin’s header went just wide, soon after Jack Till’s header went over the bar. Leicester Road then were awarded a freekick just outside the box, the effort going over the bar.

The second half started with Wood pressing, Jack Till forcing the Leicester Road keeper to tip over his long range effort. Both teams trying hard to win it, but as yet with no end product to show.

So into extra time it was. The first period Wood started to get a hold of the game, the breakthrough coming in the 110th minute – Joey Butlin fouled in the box, Mitch Tolley despatching the spot kick. 0-1.

The second period of extra time saw Leicester Road going for an equaliser and Wood defending. With two minutes remaining Leicester Road got a levelling goal, Callum Earls with a wonderful effort 1-1.

With time running out and a replay on the cards, Wood had one last attack, a great through ball found Max Loveridge who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, taking the score 1-2.

There was still time for one last Leicester Road attack but the Wood defence held firm.

So Wood progress to the next round…

Simon Evans

Thanks to Simon for an excellent report – remember, it’s all For the Good of The Wood!