Men's football news
After Saturday’s win over VCD Athletic, Lewes head to Molesey on Saturday, having won six of our last seven games. It doesn’t seem like the chasing pack got the memo about easing up and so the pressure is still on The Rooks for all three points against The Moles. Darren once again has a full-strength squad to choose from, with only Alex Malins unavailable due to his long-term ankle injury. James Hammond, Gus Sow and Jamie Brotherton all were withdrawn on Saturday to conserve their tired legs, whilst Charlie Coppola’s knee strain shouldn’t keep him out of contention. Our away form is still the best in the league with twelve wins and four draws from our nineteen games on the road.
In contrast, our hosts are in a rut. They’ve taken just three points from their last thirty-three and their home form has seen them win just four times, drawing five and losing seven – they have however held Cray Wanderers and Carshalton Athletic to draws at Walton Road this season. Their last two games have seen them lose 5-0 at Carshalton Athletic although they did grab a 2-2 draw on Saturday at Phoenix Sports with early goals from Tayo Ovebola and Ross Chalke in the first twelve minutes.
Kick off on Saturday is 3pm.
When did we last meet Molesey?
The two sides met back in September at The Pan with Lewes running out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Jamie Brotherton and a double from Billy Medlock.
Last season, Molesey and The Rooks were involved in a remarkable game at the very wet Dripping Pan in November as the torrential rain led to unplayable conditions. Despite the farcical conditions, the referee allowed the full 90 minutes to be played, the last 20 of which were contested on a giant puddle. During that final period the visitors scored twice to cancel out the first half goals from Jonte Smith and Jamie Brotherton.
In late February, there were no such concerns about the weather as Lewes romped to a 4-0 win at Walton Road thanks to goals from Jonte Smith in the first half and then the Bermudian again in the 68th minute when he was the quickest to react to an excellent save from Jack Dixon’s spot kick. Late goals from Callum Kealy and Wilfried Grimaud gave the score-line a comprehensive feel.
About The Walton Road Stadium
The ground sits in the middle of a residential area although the tall trees on two sides give it a real rural feel. Facilities are relatively basic with one main stand which houses the offices and the bar (no alcohol outside though) and a couple of covered stands behind each goal.
For those who like a bit of Non-League trivia then The Walton Road Stadium was used as the location for the football club in the film Bend It Like Beckham.
How to get to The Walton Road Stadium
For those who have made the journey to either Hampton & Richmond Borough or Metropolitan Police over the past few seasons then you are just a mile or so from Moseley, which sits almost equidistant between the two grounds as the crow flies.
Head around the M25 until junction 10 with the A3 then head London bound. After a couple of miles take the exit for the A244 and head towards Esher. When you get to the junction with the A307 turn right and head towards Sandown Park racecourse. At the Scilly Island roundabouts, head north on the A309 towards Hampton Court. At the roundabout with Embercourt Road, turn left and then right at the end of the road (opposite Imber Court) into Ember Lane. This then becomes Esher Lane. Once you cross the River Ember/Mole turn left into Walton Road and the ground is a few hundred yards down the road on the right-hand side. There’s plenty of free street parking around the ground. Journey time from Lewes is about 75 minutes for the 58-mile each way trip.
The nearest station is Hampton Court which is a twenty-minute walk away. Come out of the station and cross the main road and head down Bridge Road. Follow that until the junction with Walton Road and then follow that until you see the ground on the left-hand side. Alternatively, Esher is about a twenty-minute walk. Head north on Ember Lane, following it around the right-hand bend then to the left, past Imber Court. Then as driving instructions. Hampton Court is in Zone 6 (about an hour and 45 minutes with a change at Clapham Junction – £23.50) whilst Esher (slightly longer journey by 5 mins but more trains from Clapham Junction – £28.70) is 1 stop outside the zonal map.
Admission at The Walton Road Stadium
Admission this season is £10 for adults, £5 for concessions (senior citizens, students and Under18s), and accompanied under16s are free.
Fancy a beer?
The nearest pub to the ground is the Poyntz Arms which is a Shepherds Neame pub which looks a bit dodgy from the outside but is decent inside. The Albion Hotel in Bridge Road is popular and does have a couple of ales on tap whilst the Bell is just off Esher Road in Bell Road if you are coming that way. Esher has some decent pubs such as The Bear whilst close to Imber Court is Marney’s Village Inn which is very popular.