Match Report
Walton & Hersham 3 Yate Town
Powell (9), (Rogalski (70), Bolger (72) | Evans (pen 17)
Southern League Premier Division South
Saturday 28th February 2026
Yate Town visited top of the table Walton & Hersham, and despite more than matching their high-flying opponents for more than three quarters of the game, two quick fire goals meant that the Bluebells returned home with no points but an encouraging performance which will hopefully lift the spirits of the squad as, with just over one quarter of the season remaining, they look to maintain their current league status.
Yate Town manager, Darren Mullings, only made one change from the starting lineup from last Saturday, bringing in loan signing, Sopuru Obieri in place of Rex Mannings, whilst Marlon Jackson returned to the bench following injury, taking the place of Chris Zebroski.
The early exchanges saw a shot from Corey Evans straight at Walton goalkeeper, Josiah Barker whilst a good move by The Swans ended with Yate Town goalkeeper, Aaron Sainsbury cutting out a dangerous cross
In the 9th minute Walton took the lead when Riley Horan found Kash Odiase with an excellent pass and the Walton player squared the ball to Johl Powell whose effort struck the underside of the bar before crossing the line. Walton then proceeded to dominate play, however, after 17 minutes Yate Town’s Sopuru Obieri, chased down a long ball from Joe Keeping, and the loan signing from Cheltenham Town was fouled in the penalty area. Corey Evans slotted home the resultant penalty to level the scores.
Although Yate Town came under pressure, they defended well and Alex Monks headed wide whilst Charlie Moody went close, as the visitors created half chances.
Walton & Hersham had the chance to regain the lead after 38 minutes, when Corey Evans’ outstretched foot brought down Mason Obeng, but Dawid Rogalski’s effort from the spot was saved by Yate Town goalkeeper, Aaron Sainsbury, and the resulting corner was cleared.
The second half started with Yate Town having early possession and a 20-yard shot from Sopuru Obieri brought a smart save from Josiah Barker and with Yate Town playing well, and on the front foot against the league leaders, Henry Sady twice forcing Barker into action.
But after 70 minutes, after a quick free kick, Mason Obeng drove into the Yate Town penalty area and despite his effort being saved by Aaron Sainsbury Dawid Rogalski was on hand to fire in the rebound to regain the lead for The Swans.
And two minutes later the game swung further away from the Bluebells as The Swans substitute, Eoin Bolger, scored directly from a corner as his kick sailed all the way through, to end up in the back of the net.
Yate Town made a number of changes and James Taylor was released into the penalty area but his cross was cut out and with Walton & Hersham fired a late chance over the bar the league leaders march on towards the Southern League Premier Division South Championship and onto promotion to the National League South.
Yate Town’s run of tough fixtures continues when they visit fourth placed Farnham Town on Tuesday evening, with Wimborne Town the visitors to the South West Interiors Stadium next Saturday as the Bluebells look to move up the table, now being just one place and three points above the drop zone with 11 games to play but with a far superior goal difference than the teams around them.
Walton & Hersham: Barker, Horan (Bolger 66), Jones, Defise (Light 85), Obeng, Rogalski, Powell, Parkes, Odiase (Amartey 81), Savage (Nurr 53), Fernandez
Unused sub: Bolton
Yate Town: Sainsbury, Keeping Ball, Taylor (A), (Taylor J 74), Taylor-Clarke, Jenkins, Moody, Monks (James 78), Sady (Ollis 78), Obieri (Jackson 64), Evans (Mannings 74)
Unused subs: None
Booked: Moody (60)
Attendance: 730
Referee: Joel Lamping