28/9/02 - Stompond Lane -
Walton & Hersham 1 Chesham 0
by Webmaster Swan
Team: Batty, Dolan, O'Donnell (sub: Pickett), Dowson, Whelan, Blackman, Andrews, Harkness, Edgar (sub: Savage), Newbery (sub: Loney), Rose.
Walton progressed through to the 3rd qualifying round of the FA Cup with a impressive performance against premier division Chesham United. A goal from Paul Harkness with just seven minutes left was enough to secure the Swans another �7,500. Harkness forced the ball over the line past former Swan Delroy Preddie after Ross Pickett had volleyed across the face of the goal. Preddie was then booked for protesting too strongly to the assistant referee.
Swans had started the match more strongly but it was Chesham who almost took the lead mid way through the first half after a shot beat Laurence Batty and hit the post, allowing Alan Dowson to clear the ball off the line. A minute later Walton should have scored but Newbery's weak shot was aimed right at Preddie.
In the second half Swans again started brightly before Chesham came more into the game. After 52 minutes Francis Dolan played the ball into Harkness who set up Newbery, but he shot right along the ground straight to Preddie. Chesham then started to apply pressure but Chris Whelan, Garfield Blackman and Dowson stood firm at the back and Chesham created very little in terms of chances. Harkness then struck to give the Swans a deserved victory.