Express & Star

Darren Byfield bids farewell to Walsall Wood as Charlie Mason steps up

Former Walsall and Villa striker Darren Byfield has stepped down as Walsall Wood boss because of ‘personal and work commitments’.

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Byfield led Wood to the FA Vase semi-finals last season and had overseen a steady enough start in the Midland Premier this term.

But a 2-1 defeat at Shifnal Town on Saturday proved to be his last game in charge, with the Oak Park side wishing the 44-year-old well after achieving ‘some of the best results in club history’.

A statement from Wood read: “The club and Darren have parted ways due to personal and work commitments.

“We would like to wish Darren all the best. He took us on a great run with us looking to win the league but just missing out on goal difference and then taking us on a fabulous run in the FA Vase.

“This is some of the best results in club history.”

Wood – 12th after two wins, three draws and two losses – have made Charlie Mason interim boss.

Lye Town, meanwhile, are going well in fourth following a 0-0 draw at Uttoxeter Town.

Struck down by various injuries, Grant Joshua had assistant Chris Raybone as his only substitute and was happy with a point.

“We were bare bones. We had 12 players because of suspensions and nine out injured,” said Joshua.

“It could’ve been a lot worse. It was one of the toughest weekends I’ve had and one thing after the other, so I was delighted.”

Tividale beat Haughmond 1-0 and face AFC Wulfrunians tonight. Wulfs enter the clash after a 2-1 win over Stourport Swifts.

Wolverhampton Casuals’ struggles continued with a 3-0 loss to Racing Club Warwick, Bewdley Town drew 2-2 with Highgate United and Lichfield City beat Worcester City 2-0.

In Midland One, Wolverhampton Sporting put four past Shawbury United. OJM Black Country beat Heath Hayes 3-0, while Wednesfield lost 3-0 to Coventry Copsewood. Cradley lost 3-2 to Ashby Ivanhoe, Khalsa Football Federation were downed 2-0 by Atherstone Town and Bilston Town were beaten 1-0 by Nuneaton Griff. Among a few fixtures tonight, Dudley Town welcome Darlaston Town 1874 to the Aspray Arena.

In the North West Counties Division One South, Brocton beat St Martins 3-2. Stafford Town lost 3-0 to Cheadle Town. Eccleshall lost 3-0 at New Mills.