Walton & Hersham extend lead at top with Berkhamsted win

After a 0-0 draw with Hungerford Town ended the Swans’ 12-game winning run in the league, fans were left shocked as they confirmed the departure of first team manager Billy Rowley, who left the club to take up an opportunity at National League side Yeovil Town.

Just a day after the announcement, they welcomed the Comrades to the Xcel Sports Hub and returned to winning ways despite the recent shift on the bench.

Under the leadership of coaching assistant Jakub Pietrzak, the hosts started the game strong, troubling the visitors’ defence with a number of chances inside the opening 15 minutes, but the visitors managed to stand firm.

The breakthrough did come soon after however as in the 18th minute, Dawid Rogalski struck to put the Swans ahead. Berkhamsted failed to clear a cross into the box, and it bounced around before the Polish number nine connected perfectly to rifle a volleyed effort into the back of the net.

The visitors slowly grew into the game following the opener, but Pietrzak’s side continued to dominate much of the first half, meaning they went into the break with a one-goal advantage.

The Swans remained in control and finally found the second goal shortly after the hour mark. A low ball was played into the area and substitute Jonathon Page arrived at the perfect time to tap it home, doubling his team’s advantage and opening his account as a Walton & Hersham player.

Berkhamsted looked to pull one back in the closing stages, but the home side stood firm to see out the victory and keep a clean sheet.

As second-placed Gloucester City fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Farnham Town, the Swans’ win at the Hub saw them extend their lead at the top of the Southern League Premier South table to five points.

Walton & Hersham now look toward their next away trip as they face Basingstoke Town on Saturday afternoon and they will be hoping to continue their strong form.