Walsall Wood strike for a welcome win
Walsall Wood manager Kris Taylor is pleased to see his side get back to winning ways, ending a run of four consecutive losses.
Goals from Joey Butlin and debutant Ben Lund secured a 2-1 away win at Long Eaton United – their first victory in the Midland League Premier Division since November 11.
And Taylor was relieved to have brought their losing run to an end after a ‘dodgy’ period for the club.
“We’re really pleased with the win, especially after the run of bad form we’ve been on,” he said. “It’s nice to get a win under our belts.
“It’s been a really dodgy month for us with postponements and a depleted squad.
“Every problem you can think of we’ve faced it, so it’s been frustrating.
“With signings coming in our squad is strong now, which is good.
“We should be back to where we need to be and we’re excited for the rest of the season.”
Lund joined the club on a temporary basis from Rushall Olympic ahead of the game and scored the opener within 30 minutes.
He’s one of several players to have joined Wood recently as they look to get the promotion push back on track.
“Liam McDonald and Rushall Olympic have helped us out and sent us Ben Lund,” Taylor added.
“He’s had injuries and needed game time. For however long we have him he’ll help our squad.
“A couple Saturdays ago we had two subs and now we’re looking at possibly leaving people out of the squad.
“It’s difficult to leave good players out, but it’s a good place to be in with competition.
“We have a group that will buy into what we’re trying to do so it’s important none of the players have a knee jerk reaction to being left out.”
The Wood face Midland Football League Division One club Uttoxeter Town in the League Cup tonight and Taylor is expecting a stern test.
“We played them in the FA Vase so we know what they are about, they’re a good side,” he said.
“They gave us a real hard game and everyone is playing to get through to the next round.
“If we apply ourselves we can win the game, but we know it will be really tough.”
Tividale are also in League Cup action tonight, at home Worcester City.
They will be keen to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing league reverse at Haughmond.
Dan Smith notched for Tividale as they lost 2-1.
A goal from Aaron Bishop failed to prevent AFC Wulfrunians slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Highgate United.
Sporting Khalsa host league rivals Lye Town in the Walsall Senior Cup tonight.
