Evesham United 3-1 Walton & Hersham
Monday 11th April 2026
Pitching In Southern League Premier South
Match Report by Simon Purfield
Champions Walton and Hersham made their inaugural visit to Evesham United on Saturday. With the hosts facing the threat of slipping into the drop-zone, the need for three points was paramount.
Evesham United started the match strongly. Just 11 minutes in, Josh Barlow delivered a long pass to Ethan Dunbar, who raced towards goal. Dunbar’s attempt from eight yards was expertly turned around the post by Walton’s goalkeeper, Jools Lacey. Moments later, Kai Churchley received the ball on the right and unleashed two shots; one was blocked and the other punched away by the keeper.
At the quarter hour mark, Walton and Hersham launched their first significant attack, orchestrated by Francis Amartey. However, resolute defending from Evesham denied a clear shot on goal.
Midway through the half, Evesham lost possession high up the pitch. Walton’s midfield quickly transitioned play to Amartey, who found Dawid Rogalski. Rogalski laid the ball off for Jack Wood, who finished calmly from eight yards out to give Walton the lead.
Just three minutes later, Evesham responded. Ethan Dunbar won a free kick, which was taken by Kai Churchley. Churchley’s delivery was perfect for Andre Wright, whose powerful header found the top of the Walton net to level the score.
In the 39th minute, Evesham gained a crucial advantage. Amer Awadh won the ball on the halfway line and sent it forward to Dunbar. Dunbar’s spectacular strike from around 25 yards soared into the top right corner of the net, earning praise as one of the goals of the season at the Spiers and Hartwell Stadium.
Within two minutes of the restart, Evesham extended their lead to 3-1. A Churchley corner was headed clear by Walton’s defence, but Barlow lofted the ball back into the box. Awadh eventually poked it home from six yards to increase Evesham’s advantage.
At 54 minutes, Wright’s angled shot from fifteen yards was pushed away by the Walton keeper, and Churchley’s follow-up effort was deflected wide. Shortly afterwards, Liam Hutt delivered a superb cross to Ioan Richards, who headed just wide from a promising position.
Walton then enjoyed a period of pressure but failed to test Brendan Beard in the Evesham goal.
Evesham maintained their momentum, with Churchley forcing another save from Lacey, Josh McConnell striking the left post, and substitute Brandon Liggett seeing his effort blocked. Walton managed two corners late in the match but were unable to capitalise, while Player of the Match Wright had a late attempt blocked on the edge of the six-yard box during added time.
For Evesham United, the 3-1 thoroughly deserved victory was vital in their pursuit to remain in the Southern Premier Division South. The Robins now sit two places and two points ahead of the relegation zone, with a home fixture against Gosport Borough on Saturday.
ROBINS STARTING X1:
13 Brendan Beard (GK), 2 Liam Hutt, 4 Josh Barlow (62′ 11 Brandon Liggett), 5 Josh McConnell, 6 Ioan Richards, 10 Amer Awadh (C) 46′, 12 Andre Wright 23′, 15 Jyrel Bojang, 17 Ethan Dunbar 38′, 19 Cameron Walters, 20 Kai Churchley (74′ 16 Lewis Middleton)
ROBINS UNUSED SUBSTITUTES:
1 Alex Harris (GK)
ATTENDANCE: 361
