Another classic game of 2 halves with both teams having to settle for a point. In Steve Tully’s.words, Walton were very good in the first half and should have been 3 or 4 up but Poole were the better team in the second half and should have won.

After Cummins early shot fired wide, Walton & Hersham dominated the opening 30 minutes. They took an early lead when a cross from the left was cleverly flicked in to the far corner of the net by Rowe giving Plain no chance. Walton showed skill and pace to attack quickly and Poole struggled to defend against them. Rowe fired just wide on 14 minutes following neat build up play. On 21 minutes Powell surged forward and cleverly passed several players to find himself with just the keeper to beat but Plain made a great save. Olyott brought another good save before Tobin showed skill to pass several players but again Poole hung on. Poole then had a good 10 minute spell with both McCarthy and Hewlett firing just wide. Plain again came to Poole’s rescue after a dangerous Walton corner with a good save. So Walton went in 1 ahead but probably frustrated not to have scored more after their first half dominance.

Tully was brave and made 5 changes before the hour mark of the second half and changed the formation. This included new signings White and Ramos. This transformed the team – Tully pleased with the ”energy and desire” shown in the second half. Cummins set up Forbes for a good save just after being subbed on. Ramos saw 2 shots go just wide before he opened his account for Poole on his debut on 76 minutes. He neatly controlled the ball played in to him on his chest before neatly turning and firing in to the top corner of the net for a deserved equaliser. Both sides pressed for the winner with Poole looking the more likely but neither side could find the net again. Walton only had 1 real chance in the second half.

Tully was delighted with the result and second half performance and how the squad reacted after such a disappointing first half. However he recognised 3 points are critical and expects that on Tuesday night. Walton are a strong team and will be up near the top at the end of the season so Poole can be reasonably pleased with the result. Frustrated by the first half but delighted by the second half.