Saffron Walden keeper Paul Wood

THE Bloods’ latest win came at a heavy price as goalkeeper Paul Wood faces a spell on the sidelines.

Walden’s shot stopper has been in sensational form all season, keeping his side in games with his heroics. But the Bloods will have to do without the 32-year-old after he was taken to hospital following a 41st minute clash with Melford skipper Michael Owen.

Wood had to have EIGHT injections to his face, EIGHT stitches to his lip with another five inside his mouth, a number of teeth straightened and has a number of chipped teeth.

He is expected to be out for at least four to six weeks and Walden boss Colin Wallington said replacing him will be a tall order.

“He’s a great player and a great bloke to have in the dressing room – we’ll miss him badly,” Wallington told the Reporter.

“At the start of the season he was superb and did everything I asked of him and more. He was integral through our six game unbeaten run in August and September, and he has played really well recently too.”

Wallington is now looking to get a goalkeeper on loan for the next month.

“I am talking to the manager at Diss at the moment – he’s told me he has an excellent young keeper,” he added.

“If that doesn’t work out then I’ll try somewhere else, I know enough managers that someone will help us out.”

Despite the setback, the Bloods’ season looks to be on track following Saturday’s victory at Catons Lane. It was an accomplished performance from Wallington’s men, who praised their attitude as “excellent”. The only criticism would be they did not put the ball in the net to put the game beyond reach.

They started on the front foot, forcing a series of corners and dangerous long throws. Stuart Wardley, Matt Snelling and Tom Richardson all had attempts on goal in the first five minutes, and in the 15th minute Dan Lynn saved well from a Stuart Wardley header from six yards out.

The opening goal came in the 27th minute, Alex Riches heading powerfully into the net from Louis Harper’s corner.

Another period of heavy pressure saw Richardson test Ryan and see a header cleared off the line, while Riches went close from another header.

Wood’s injury came four minutes before half-time. The keeper came out to gather the ball but was struck in the mouth by the raised boot of Owen, who slid in to challenge in the wet conditions. With no keeper on the bench, Richardson, who had looked dangerous up front, had to take over in goal.

Conditions worsened as the rain continued to pour down after the break. After a succession of corners the ball fell to Snelling whose fine shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the back of the net to give the Bloods a deserved 2-0 lead just after the hour mark.

Two minutes from time Martin Westcott gave Long Melford some hope when he headed a corner into the roof of the net, but Walden held on to gain the three points and strengthen their fourth place in the league.

Next up, Walden are at home to rivals Halstead Town, 3pm kick off.