The Swans travel to Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday afternoon as they look to strengthen their hold on their position in the play-off spots, having broke into the top five with a 4-2 win over Winchester City last time out.
It was a fast start for the Swans against the Citizens as they took the lead inside five minutes. A brilliant cross-field pass from Eoin Bolger fell kindly for Ralph Vigrass to chest down and lob Luke Cairney to put his side ahead. Johl Powell continued his recent goalscoring heroics to double the Swans’ advantage with a brilliant run and effort before a ricochet in the box ended with Winchester pulling one back.
IK Hill levelled it up for the visitors in the second half with a fine effort into the far corner. An outstanding pass from Lucas Defise cut open the Winchester defence before Vigrass restored the Swans’ lead with just under 20 minutes remaining when he was on hand to convert after Powell’s initial effort was saved. The Swans sealed the deal in stoppage time when Mason Obeng squared for Dawid Rogalski to finish from point blank range.
Havant & Waterlooville have enjoyed a good season so far, sitting in the play-offs for an extended period before being leapfrogged by the Swans last weekend. The Hawks fell to a 1-0 defeat at Hungerford Town, causing them to drop down to sixth in the table. They have formed a brilliant home record under manager Shaun North however, losing just once at Westleigh Park all season. That sole defeat came at the hands of Merthyr Town just two
weeks ago.
The Swans were the victors in the meeting between these two sides earlier in the season. They won 2-0 at the Hub courtesy of a stunning long-range hit from Eoin Bolger and a tap-in by ex-loanee Tom Olyott.
Billy Rowley will be keen for his side to come away from Westleigh Park with a victory as they bid to extend their lead in the hunt for the play-offs. Given the hosts’ brilliant home record, he and his side will be aware of the tough test they face. The Swans will have two new faces to turn to following Friday’s loan signings of Hakeem Sandah and Kai Jennings from Colchester United and AFC Wimbledon respectively.
Head-to-head
Walton & Hersham have met Havant & Waterlooville just once since the latter’s 1998 amalgamation, but met predecessor Waterlooville F.C. on three occasions. Each meeting came in the FA Trophy with the Swans winning 2-0 and 4-0 respectively, with the other encounter ending in a 1-1 draw.
Match information
The game will kick off at 3pm on Saturday 8th February, at Westleigh Park, Martin Road – PO9 5TH. Tickets are available to purchase on the day at the gate, with either cash or card.
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For match enquiries, please email info@waltonhershamfc.com
