Wood crash and burn

Midland Combination Premier Division

Walsall Wood 0

Pilkington XXX 3

WOOD suffered their heaviest home defeat for some considerable time on Saturday, going down without a fight to Pilkington XXX.

They started brightly but Pilkington stunned the hosts to go ahead with their first attack of the game as Reeves saved the initial shot but the rebound was slotted home.

Wood were sluggish and lethargic in midfield and allowed Pilkington to dominate the game and only some good defending and poor finishing kept the hosts in the game.

With 10 minutes to go to half-time, Wood reverted back to 3-5-2 and this seemed to lift them as Harris, who created havoc down the left, had chances and also delivered some quality balls into the box, but they could not find an equaliser.

After the break, Harris crashed an 18-yard drive against the inside of the post and Taylor-Boyce sent the loose ball high and wide.

Straight from that attack, Pilks broke down the right and a pinpoint cross was headed goalwards and looped over Reeves to put the visitors 2-0 up with 46 minutes on the clock.

Wood had chances to haul themselves back into the game with Bilgimer, Harris and Larkins all going close but Pilkington made it 3-0 on the break late on.

● Wood bounced back to form with a 2-2 draw away at local rivals Pelsall Villa on Tuesday night.