Those Were The Days; 22nd March 1997

[Les1949]

THOSE WERE THE DAYS
22nd March 1997

Isthmian (ICIS) League; Division 1

Walton & Hersham 1 (Bushay, 65’) Hampton 0 Att; 200

Walton & Hersham;-
Delroy Preddie; Alan Dowson, Brian Lee, Tim Alexander, Trevor Baron, Anail Bushay, David Lay, Gary Powell, Curtis Johnson, Andy Sayer, Barry Rake.
Subs; Neil Cordice, Mark Wiggins, Grant Hutchins.

Hampton;-
Mark Russell; Darren Powell, Danny Collyer, Jim Wigmore, Steve Cheshire, Dave Rattue, Jamie Horton, Mark Wilson (Francis Vines, 70’), Robin Lewis (Peter Wood, 88’), Derek Bryan, Barry Moore.
Unused Sub; Bradley Pratt

A game that matched third versus fifth turned into a very tense affair, with just one goal separating the two sides. Hampton made some unexpected changes going with a front three of Lewis, Moore and Bryan with Steve Stairs not even making the squad. The tactic didn’t seem to work as the Beavers rarely threatened Walton’s goal. The weather may have been sunny, but there was little action for either keeper in the first half. A 29th minute cross by Horton found Collyer in a good position, but the shot went wide. A scything foul by David Lay brought an end to a promising Hampton attack – Lay was booked. Walton came more into the game in the second half, but still neither keeper had much to do. Lewis got himself into a good position but was adjudged to be offside. In the 65th minute the home side won a debatable free-kick on the edge of Hampton’s penalty area. Russell came for the cross but Anail Bushay got to the ball first and directed his header into the empty net. With time running out Walton’s keeper Delroy Preddie made a good diving catch to deny Moore’s cheeky lob. At the season’s end Walton & Hersham were promoted in third place whilst Hampton finished in fourth, three points behind the Swans. And, who’s that playing in Walton’s No 2 shirt?.


The Old Historian

[Adam]

And, who’s that playing in Walton’s No 2 shirt?.

A future Hampton manager on both sides, although one was a joint manager and for a much shorter period.