The Swans travel to face Ashford United in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Trophy on Saturday afternoon, and will be looking to begin a new cup run having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Tonbridge Angels last time out.

Despite their underdog status, the Swans put up a valiant effort in Kent last Saturday, which was reflected in the half-time scoreline. Johl Powell won a penalty for his side after being clipped from behind by a Tonbridge defender, and this was calmly converted by Nana Owusu to give the visitors the lead at the break. The tables were turned almost instantly however, as three minutes into the second half, the Angels were awarded a penalty of their own, allowing Liam Vincent to level the scores. Noel Leighton then slotted away to win the game for the hosts with 20 minutes to play.

Ashford United currently sit in 19th position in the Isthmian South East division, and overcame Hartley Wintney 2-1 to reach this stage of the FA Trophy. The Nuts & Bolts fell to a 3-2 defeat to Chertsey Town in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round in their last outing.

Billy Rowley will be keen for his side to return to winning form on Saturday, as they look to put together a cup run in a competition they can no doubt go far in, having already demonstrated their strength against higher opposition this season. Rowley will also no doubt be looking forward to including new signing Jordan Esprit in Saturday’s squad, with Dawid Rogalski missing for the final game in his four-match suspension.

Head-to-head
Walton & Hersham have not met Ashford United since the latter’s 2011 reformation, but had encountered the previous incarnation on eight occasions. The first meeting came in the 1969-70 FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round, a tie the Swans won 1-0. The two sides’ latest encounter then came in the 2009-10 Isthmian League. Walton & Hersham have been victorious in five of their meetings with the Nuts and Bolts, drawing two and losing just one. The Swans have visited the Homelands Stadium within the last few years however, beating tenants Kennington FC 4-0 in an FA Cup replay in August 2022.

Match information
The game will kick off at 3pm on Saturday 5th October, at Homelands Stadium – TN26 1NJ. Tickets are available to purchase on the day at the gate, with cash only.

————————————————————

For match enquiries, please email info@waltonhershamfc.com