Saturday, February 17 . Pitching In Southern League, Premier Division South
Walton & Hersham v Tiverton Town
The Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub . 3pm
OUR game on the 3-G at Walton & Hersham sees us move into the final third of the season. For our hosts, the scenario is somewhat different to ours as they push for a play-off position. However, both sides will be desperate for points, as Leigh Robinson's men head to Surrey eager to ease away from dangerous waters.
During their first campaign in the Southern Premier League South, the Swans have earned themselves a reputation for being a good footballing team and it is the club's ethos to play total football. The Thames side showcased their attractive style at the Ian Moorcroft Stadium during an entertaining 2-2 draw in mid-October, Niall Thompson and Cameron Salmon with our goals on that day.
Scott Harris, the Swans’ manager, has assembled a team that has been very competitive in their first taste of this division, his squad containing experience and pedigree in the form of players such as midfielders Mitchal Gough and Nana Owusu.
Gough has played strongly at this level since the 2018-19 season with the likes of Harrow Borough, Hayes & Yeading, Farnborough and Walton Casuals; Owusu has performed higher up the pyramid, representing Maidenhead, Basingstoke, Oxford City, Dulwich Hamlet and Hemel Hempstead. He started the season with Bracknell and adds plenty of flair to the Swans' attacks.
Goalscoring and creative midfielder John Gilbert will need close attention, as will emerging talent Trae Cook-Appiah.
Last weekend, Walton & Hersham secured the second of two consecutive away victories by defeating fellow play-off hopefuls Hungerford Town 1-0.
Tiverton will be without their suspended captain Jamie Richards and recalled Bristol Rovers pair Jerry Lawrence and Charlie White. Defender Jack Veale has also been nursing an injury. The Yellows’ will be hoping to have striker Joe Parker back in their starting 11.
With last Saturday's game against Winchester becoming a victim of the weather, the Yellows’ can look back to the last time they were in action at Hendon, where they won 3-2, as a source of encouragement. Tomorrow’s match will also take place on a 3-G surface.
There are 12 points still to play for in February and although it will not be an easy assignment against a talented side with plenty to play for, Tivvy must take heart from the win at Hendon.
If they can emulate the performance that saw a Jack Rice brace fire them to victory a fortnight ago, then they will be in with a shout.
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