The Swans travel to local rivals Chertsey Town for their first game of 2025, as they look to bounce back from their 5-2 defeat to Merthyr Town last time out.

The game didn’t start in the best of ways for the Swans, when Junior Eccleston was given his marching orders inside six minutes for what seemed like a well-executed slide tackle. Merthyr instantly capitalised on the decision when Lewys Twamley curled in the resulting free-kick. The Swans did not let the player disadvantage affect them for too long, equalising minutes later through Josh Tobin, who won back possession after some good pressure. Merthyr retook the lead just prior to the half-hour mark however, when Kane Simpson struck the bottom corner from a difficult angle.

Despite the Swans managing to put up a fight, the hosts extended their advantage to two with 25 minutes to play when Twamley rounded Josh Blunkell before smashing in his second of the game. Billy Rowley’s side were given one final lifeline with around ten to play after Jack Evans was shown a second yellow card for the hosts. The Swans couldn’t capitalise on Merthyr being reduced to 10, as Simpson coolly finished off a swift counterattack to make it 4-1. Merthyr hit on the break once again minutes later with Twamley ending the move with a great finish to seal his hat-trick. Alex Body grabbed a consolation for the Swans in stoppage time to make the final score 5-2.

Chertsey Town have had a mixed run of form lately, losing two of their last five games. The Curfews drew 2-2 with Tiverton Town last time out, leaving them in tenth place heading into the new year.

The Swans faced Chertsey at the Hub back in August, and marked the bank holiday Monday with a 3-2 win. Adam Mekki opened the scoring only for a turnaround by the Curfews put them 2-1 up with 25 minutes to play. Anis Nuur grabbed an equaliser for the Swans from the spot, before Dawid Rogalski continued his outstanding early-season form with a late winner.

Billy Rowley will be eager for his side to not only start the year with an important win in a local derby, but also improve their chances of breaking back into the play-off spots, having temporarily slipped behind fifth-placed Dorchester Town.

Head-to-head
The history between these two sides lives up to the hype of the rivalry. The Swans have faced Chertsey Town in 30 matches in their history, winning 22 of them. The Curfews have been victorious on just five occasions, with three games finishing as draws. Walton & Hersham’s last visit to Chertsey’s home ground Alwyns Lane in March 2023 saw them run out 5-2 victors. Eddie Simon netted the second of his record-breaking four consecutive hat-tricks in the dominant win.

Match information
The game will kick off at 3pm on Wednesday 1st January, at Alwyns Lane – KT16 9DW. Tickets are available to purchase on the day at the gate, with either cash or card.

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