After dithering over which ground to visit this Saturday, I eventually plump for the Stafford based village side of Brocton who are playing Walsall Wood. Brocton are in their first season in the Premier Division of the new Midland Football League.
There are similarities between these 2 clubs. Both have won the title in the last 2 seasons of the Midland Combination Premier and both have had good cup runs in this season's FA Vase competition (both going out to Northern clubs in the 4th round).
I have a trouble free journey on the train from Worcester (via Birmingham) and get to Stafford in time for a spot of lunch and a look round the shops and town centre. I'd noticed that when coming in to the town that there is more cloud coming over and by the time I am waiting at the bus stop for my journey to the ground, the town is suddenly hit by a hail storm that lasts about 5 minutes. I'm glad it stops as I was worried it might affect the match.
Even though my bus is nearly 10 minutes late, I arrive at Silkmore Lane in plenty of time. There is a prominent sign for the ground at the top of the drive that leads you down there.
Brocton moved to this ground in 2006 after getting a lease from the council. It used to be the Old Police Sports Ground but it had fallen in to disrepair over the years after the police had ceased to use it. With the help of various funding schemes including the National Lottery fund, Brocton have brought it up to the standard required for them to compete in the Premier Division of the Midland Football League.
There is a car park at the entrance that extends round to the north part of the ground and then a path leads to the portacabins that house the changing rooms, toilets and tea hut. Looking down the ground, to the right is the 100 seater stand, with trees lining the back and also the southern end. On the left there is another pitch that is used by the youth section of the club. It's a neat and tidy ground with a pretty good looking playing surface too.
I make my way to the tea hut area at the end of the portacabin area and get myself a cuppa that's served in a ceramic mug. Also I am able to buy a club lapel badge from here to add to my collection.
Before the game I meet Bill Ward the First Team Secretary of Walsall Wood, who I have met twice before this season at FA Vase games and who I sent photos once for publication in their club programme . He tells me about their Vase replay at Shaw Lane Aquaforce where he says they didn't get much luck at all in their cup exit.
Both teams come out in their usual first team colours, Brocton in green & white and Walsall in all red.
(Walsall Wood captain, Harry Harris on the ball)
It's Brocton who start the strongest and go in to the lead after just 6 minutes. It's scored by their experienced striker Dave Berks after being set up by a pass from the right.
Walsall Wood go on the attack and one of their players goes close with an attempted chip from about 25 yards.
Brocton continue to trouble the Walsall Wood defence down the right flank where their No.7 Jack Edwards is proving to be a speedy opponent and he provides the cross in the 21st minute that Sam Bell dispatches in to the net for goal number 2.
The hosts go close again 7 minutes later when Berks sees his free kick fizz past the far post.
The Wood press strongly near the break and their No.7's shot is deflected off a defender and just over the bar. Their pressure pays off on the stroke of half time when they are awarded a penalty when the Brocton keeper, Callum Barrett is adjudged to have brought down a Walsall attacker.
Walsall's Drew Aiton takes the spot kick which is saved but he slams in the rebound (as shown below).
So Walsall Wood have kept themselves in the game and it's all to play for in the second half. They are currently in seventh place and with their games in hand on the teams above them, have an outside chance of mounting a title challenge.
At half time I have a chat with a guy called John Miller who has travelled all the way from Edinburgh to see this match. He tells me he does this on a regular basis and has already visited many grounds in the north of England. A dedicated groundhopper! I later find out that another groundhopper called Nick Palmer is at the match and has covered the match in his Blog called simply 'The Groundhopper'. I had noticed him with his camera but had thought he might have been the official Brocton photographer.
The second half comes round and Brocton in the 16th minute have a volley from Sam Bell that sails over the bar. Walsall respond with a shot from their No.8 that is saved from close range.
( Carl Morris, the Brocton skipper looks to set up another attack )
The longer the game goes on the more Brocton get on top of the play and their threat is usually coming down the right with Jack Edwards (on loan from Stafford Rangers) the main danger. He scores the important third goal in the 26th minute (shown celebrating below).
Walsall Wood still pose the occasional threat and after 28 minutes minutes their No.8 goes round the Brocton keeper only to see his shot hit a defender and out.
Sam Bell sees his shot turned away by the Walsall keeper, Dale Faultless (great name for a goalkeeper!) The last action I see before leaving to catch my bus back to the train station is the Brocton No.12 shooting just over the bar.
I have enjoyed my visit today and am impressed with Brocton who from their humble pub team beginnings in 1937 have made steady progress over the intervening years and strike me as being a very well run club. Although they are in the lower half of the table in 17th place, when I saw them play at Westfields in August they then occupied bottom place,so obviously have improved. They looked full of confidence today after their 3-0 win at league leaders Lye Town in midweek.
Walsall Wood were outplayed today and need to regroup to consolidate their league position. They finished in a worthy sixth place in their first season in the Premier Division in 2013-14, so could well finish in a higher place this time round.
Match attendance: 89
Match entrance fee: £5
Match programme: £1
Match entertainment: 8.5 / 10
Today it's FA Vase time again and also FA Trophy time too! I have decided though to see the Walsall Wood - AFC Bridgnorth tie in the Vase. The last time I went to Oak Park was the FA Vase, Quarter-Final tie when Walsall Wood played Guernsey, 2 years ago. It was a great occasion with a 650+ crowd, with the game going to extra-time but with no goals, although Walsall had the better chances. Guernsey won the replay, so now Walsall Wood will be thinking that maybe they can have another good Vase run.
I saw the Wood win at Malvern Town in a previous round and that result seems to have galvanised them after a fairly poor start to this season.
When I leave Worcester, it's starting to cloud over after a bright start to the day but with no forecast of rain. I get to Walsall by 12:50pm and after having a quick look around for a place to eat, decide on using the Gardenia Cafe near the bus station, a place I have been on two previous visits, as it's a friendly place and good value.
After a good filling breckie sandwich, I take the No.10 bus and 25 minutes later I am making the short walk on the path from Lichfield Road to Oak Park, which sits alongside the Oak Park Sports Centre. When I enter the ground, I can see the main stand on the left side of the pitch and the club house and changing rooms are on the right.
AFC Bridgnorth are occupying top spot in the Premier Division of the West Midlands League before today's game, so should provide stiff opposition. Many of the same players who were with the club, in their previous incarnation as Bridgnorth Town, when that club were dissolved (due to financial difficulties) are still in the squad and have shown great loyalty to the club and their Manager, Mark Clyde.
So the teams come on to the pitch in their usual colours, Wood in all red and Bridgnorth in all blue. I also notice that there are 2 other photographers in attendance today and look like press photographers with their professional looking equipment.
The first half proves to be an even affair with neither side on top for long. It's all a bit scrappy and sometimes a bit ill tempered, with the referee having words with both teams to watch their step.
The best chance of this half falls to Wood's No.10, Leon Taylor, who blasts the ball high over the bar after having been played in to a good position from a pass that comes in from the right.
The main threat from Bridgnorth comes from the surging runs on the right flank by Anwar Olugbon (who is shown below).
For the last few minutes of the first period, Walsall Wood are on top. Leon Taylor sees his effort saved well by the Bridgnorth keeper and then with their last attack, one of their players makes a run in to the box and is brought down and everyone is expecting a penalty to be given. Instead the ref blows his whistle for half time. Of course the home side are incensed and swarm round the ref, dismayed that no penalty has been awarded. It's to no avail though, both teams troop off the field and so the first half ends on a more dramatic note than expected.
When I walk to the club house, I can look over the wall and see the commemorative sculpture of the Walsall Wood colliery that closed in 1964. I'm later told by a spectator after the game that for years, they had a big slag heap on that spot.
So the second half starts and I have decided to go to the other end of the ground which Walsall Wood will be attacking.
After 48 minutes, The Wood are awarded a free kick just outside the area. Their No.9 takes it and sends a shot crashing off the intersection of post and cross bar and the rebound is bundled in by the No.11 Corey Currithers. At last a goal and this galvanises the visitors.
(The reactions of the players say it all after the first Walsall Wood goal)
On 63 minutes Bridgnorth equalise after the rebound from Olugbon's saved shot is pushed in.
Walsall Wood respond immediately as a minute later, Walsall's Leon Taylor heads in from a corner (as shown below).
Then the same player 4 minutes later just misses a ball played in across the Bridgnorth goal when he slides in at the far post.
It's a very open game now and with just 5 minutes to go Bridgnorth equalise again to the dismay of the home crowd. The goal comes courtesy of a lob over the advancing Walsall keeper Kiesel.
By now I have given up on my photography as the light levels are proving to be unworkable but just as I am about to go on my way, Walsall Wood snatch a dramatic late win when their substitute, Drew Aiton, shoots in the ball from close range. So just like their first Vase tie this season, The Wood have triumphed right at the death of an absorbing contest.
So it's hard luck on a stubborn AFC Bridgnorth team who will be strong contenders in the chase for the West Midlands Premier crown this season and Walsall Wood will now face an away tie to league rivals Causeway United, who play at Halesowen's ground in the next round.
The size of the crowd was disappointing today but that may be due to the fact that nearby Rushall Olympic were also playing at home.
(The backdrop of the match provided by the Colliery sculpture)
Match attendance: 89
Entertainment value: 7.5/10
Entrance fee: £5
Match programme: £1
Today is 'Non-League Day', a good day to stay local. So as Worcester City are playing in Barrow-in-Furness I have decided to go to travel the short distance to see Malvern Town in their FA Vase tie v Walsall Wood.
I have been watching with interest, the upturn in fortunes of Malvern over the last few months, both on and off the field. On the field Malvern Town find themselves on top of the West Midlands League and off the field the club house has been spruced up and the pitch re-laid. So it will be good to see them in action and take note of the improvements.
I have enough time to have a quick look around the town in Great Malvern after leaving the train and then have a bite to eat at a local cafe. It's very pleasant walking down the hill towards the ground on a beautiful day. After 20 minutes I'm walking through the car park in to the club house. I pay my entrance and obtain a programme and step out on to a nice new decking area where there is a large gathering of supporters. Looking over to to the pitch I can see that is looking in good nick too.
Over the last 6 years since I came back to the Midlands, Malvern Town have been in a slow decline. After watching a couple of local Sunday League games at this ground at the end of last season, I could see the pitch looked a bit threadbare in places and the club buildings looking a bit neglected.
Last September, the club was in danger of folding after it came to light that the club had debts over £200,000 and it looked like they would have to sell the ground as a result. To the rescue in stepped 2 enthusiastic young businessmen, Chris Pinder and Ted Grizzell. Pinder is the co-founder of local company, HD Connectivity and Grizzell is the manager of Zig-Zag coaching and is also an academy coach at West Bromwich Albion.
They are organising a new youth set up at the club to nurture local talent and have set up the club as a Community Interest Company (CIC). They are a not for profit organisation and can look for extra funding from organisations like The Lottery, Sport England as well as local businesses.
So to the match and there is some bad luck for the home side before the kick-off, with main striker, Bryan Craven having to withdraw from proceedings because of a foot injury sustained during the warm-up. As he is currently his League's top scorer with 9 so far, then this is quite a blow for Malvern.
The match kicks off with the home side in a strip of mainly white but with sky blue and claret too. Looks like their old away kit. The Wood are in their usual all red strip.
The opening exchanges are quite even with plenty of attacking intent from both teams and I can't see this contest ending in a stalemate. Then Walsall Wood start to dominate the play.
After 14 minutes Walsall Wood's No.11 goes past 3 Malvern tackles before sending a shot past the post and then 'The Wood' take the lead with a goal from Dean Holgate.
This proves to be very short lived though as in the very next minute, Malvern go on the attack, win a corner and then score with a tap in by their No.6 I think.
After 37 minutes I'm impressed by a great double save by the Malvern keeper to keep his side in the game. This reprieve only lasts until the last minute of this half as the Wood's No.11 is left with a tap in at the far post after a pass comes in from the left.
So Walsall Wood have their noses back in front in this tie. They have been the classier team so far and just about deserve their advantage.
Walsall Wood only 2 seasons ago had a great run in this competition, losing only after a replay in the quarter-finals, when maybe they should have won in the first match after having the best chances.
The first 15 minutes of the second half sees Malvern Town using all three of their substitutes, which shows they mean business in getting back in to this game.
The balance of the match shifts in the home sides favour when in the 68th minute, Walsall's No.11 is sent off. I miss the incident but Wood's Match Day secretary who I have been chatting to, says he had kicked out at another player.
Then in the very next minute, Walsall Wood probably should have had a penalty when one of their players is pushed down in the area but his sides pleas are waived aside as it looks like the linesman thought the ball had already gone out of play.
(Malvern Town defender Chris Allen, looks to close down this Walsall Wood attack)
Malvern then go close after 79 minutes when their No.15 has a dipping shot sail just over the bar. Five minutes later another home attack produces a diving header, again going over the bar after a good cross from the right.
Their pressure finally pays off when their No.11 manages to push the ball past Walsall's keeper.
Just after this goal's scored I'm thinking that Walsall Wood won't fancy playing extra-time with only 10 men. Then they go and score!
A good run by their No.3, Craig Deakin, in the area is impeded by a Malvern defender and he goes to ground, with the ref blowing for a penalty. This is duly despatched by their No.6, Danny Forrest, as shown below.
There is still time for the Malvern captain Joe Endacott to have an eyeball to eyeball confrontation with Walsall's No.16, who carries on their spat just a bit too long, which is a bit silly seeing that his side look they are about to win the game and go through to the next round.
It's been a great cup tie and although they lost today, Malvern Town showed great grit and determination against their higher league opponents. With their new regime, newly revamped ground and future plans, they seem like a club with a future now.
Walsall Wood's reward for their efforts today is a home tie in the next round against old rivals, Pershore Town, when they were both in the Midland Combination.
Match entrance: £5
Match programme: £1
Match attendance: 137
Entertainment value: 8/10
Today's choice of game today was a bit of a no-brainer really. It had to be the Vase Quarter-Final encounter at Oak Park. Walsall Wood being the only Step 6 club left in this competition and I was curious to see their opponents from Guernsey, an island I have had been on holiday during the 1990 World Cup.
The weather was fine and I had a hassle free journey from Worcester to Walsall on the train. I then took the bus journey from Walsall and we soon picked up a number of Guernsey supporters in their green & white finery, being a bit noisy but very sociable.
I had gone all the way to Oak Park for the Wood's FA Vase, 3rd Rd match against Wigan Robin Park 2 months before only to find it postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, so I was looking forward to seeing them play at last on their home pitch.
I got to the ground in good time (about 2:10pm) as I wanted to make sure I got a programme. I did so and it was a special souvenir edition
with pictures of old legendary Walsall Wood line-ups. Nice one!
There were plenty of Guernsey supporters (around 200) and there was a great atmosphere for the game. The official attendance count ending up at 660.
(View of the match with the Walsall Wood Colliery sculpture in the background)
Walsall immediately took the game to their opponents and looked the more dangerous side for long periods without creating many chances. Their best opportunity fell to their top scorer, Ahmet Bilmiger. He managed to dink the ball over the advancing Guernsey keeper (shown above) but his effort was kicked off the line by a defender.
The second half was more even and both sides should have scored but the final pass or cross was usually lacking in quality. The longer the game went on the more the Guernsey striker, Ross Allen, looked more dangerous. He's shown in the above photo, looking to turn past his marker.
So the 90 minutes finished with the score still 0-0. Guernsey had their best chance 3 minutes in to extra time when they hit the bar and Ross Allen following in from from a few yards out hit the rebound well over.
Walsall Wood went close again right near the end through Bilgimer but it was not be....both sides resume their titanic struggle in Guernsey next week. All that was missing from this entertaining game was a goal. It was a very clean game played in the right spirit with a great crowd, a great advertisement for this level of football. I'm sure the replay will be a close game too.
