The Swans host Bracknell Town on Boxing Day as they look to build on their hard-fought 3-2 win away to Marlow last Saturday. It was the Swans who struck first at the Alfred Davis Memorial Ground last weekend, with Josh Tobin curling in a sublime first-time effort from the edge of the box. They then had a chance to double their lead when some excellent work from Johl Powell down the right flank drew a penalty, which Nana Owusu stepped up to take. He saw
his initial effort saved by the Marlow ‘keeper before striking the bar with his follow-up attempt.
On the stroke of half-time, the Swans had a chance to redeem themselves from the penalty mark again, when Johl Powell won another spot kick. Skipper Joey Jones stepped up to take this one, but was thwarted by another good save, only for him to smash home the rebound and have the Swans in firm control at the break.
The hosts got themselves back in the game with just over 20 minutes to play, when Josh Smith’s in-swinging corner flew over everyone and into the far corner. The Swans restored their two-goal lead soon after, when Alex Body picked up the ball on the right side of the box before cutting inside and placing a fine effort into the bottom corner. Marlow didn’t give up and grabbed another goal back through Toby Raggett to make things nervy for the Swans, but
they held on for the win.
Bracknell Town have enjoyed a strong first half of the season, but have endured some mixed form in recent weeks. The Robins have won two and lost two of their last five matches but were victorious in their last outing, dispatching Hanwell Town 4-1. They currently sit in eighth place, three points behind the Swans with a game in hand.
Presented with the opportunity of getting a crucial three points against the only side in the division to have made the play-offs in both of the last two seasons, Billy Rowley will be keen for his side to exploit Bracknell’s mixed form and secure the win on Boxing Day. Jordan Esprit will be hoping to make an impact against his former side, having spent two seasons with the Berkshire club.
Head-to-head
The Swans have met Bracknell Town on 15 occasions, with the first meeting coming in the 1983-84 season. Walton & Hersham are by far the superior side in the head-to-head, having won ten encounters compared to the Robins’ four. The two clubs faced off in league action for the first time in 20 years last season. The Swans secured a convincing 5-2 win at the Hub in August, but Bracknell gained their revenge with a thumping 3-0 victory in the return fixture
on Boxing Day. Jordan Esprit netted a brace for the Robins in the win, with Nana Owusu also having a big hand in the win. Both now don the colours of Walton & Hersham heading into Thursday afternoon’s matchup.
Match information
The game will kick off at 3pm on Thursday 26th December, at the Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub – KT12 2JP. Tickets are priced at £12 for Adults, £9 for Seniors/Concessions, £6 for Next-Gen (13-21), and £2 for U12s. Tickets are available to purchase on the day at the gate, with either cash or card, but supporters are strongly encouraged to purchase beforehand (tickets available until 12:30pm online) by following this link.
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For match enquiries, please email info@waltonhershamfc.com
