OWUSU THE HERO AS SWANS SEAL BIG WIN
ALATE wonder free-kick from Nana Owusu was just enough to secure a big win for Walton & Hersham at Bulpit Lane in the play-off race.
It was a return to the Hungerford side for goalkeeper Ryan Clarke who had been missing in recent weeks for the Crusaders. Walton & Hersham captain Joe Hicks also made a return for the Swans after missing the Tuesday night win at Sholing.
The home side had much the better of the first half, but failed to create a real clear-cut chance with the Swans defending resolutely and that became somewhat a pattern of the match.
After ten minutes Fabio Lopes, who was the biggest threat of all the attacking players, nearly created an opportunity for Sam De St Croix for Hungerford. His shot however was closed down and deflected wide by Arsen Ujka. Then it was Lopes again after half an hour testing Swans keeper Tyla Dickenson from range but the shot was easily saved.
Just before half-time Lopes put a ball across the box that Conor McDonagh took a swing and a miss at, Joe Shepherd did eventually reach it, but he could only shoot over from a wide angle.
The second half continued in much the same vein as the first with the home side pressing but failing to deliver a real killer final ball.
After 65 minutes there was a moment of controversy when Walton & Hersham probably should have found themselves down to ten men after Joe Pratley-Jones looked to have kicked out at Hungerford’s Joe Shepherd who was on the floor after a late challenge on keeper Dickenson.
In the end though it was just yellow cards for Shepherd and Pratley-Jones from referee Mario Stetakovic.
With the game drifting towards the end the Swans were awarded a free-kick around 35 yards out after Elis Watts was deemed to have fouled Johl Powell. Owusu stepped up to smash the ball into the top corner, in a game’s only real moment of quality.
Hungerford pushed forward looking for an equaliser, but the Swans held out comfortably.