Fresh from winning their opening two FA Women’s National League Division One South West fixtures, Gwalia United turn their attention to cup football on Thursday evening, as they travel to Kayte Lane to face Cheltenham Town in the opening group game of this season’s FA Women’s League Cup, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm.
Despite making it two wins from two in the league, Gwalia will be looking to build on a laboured 1-0 victory at home to Bournemouth Sports last Sunday. The result meant another three points and another clean sheet, and the manner in which the side kept pushing for the win will have pleased those in the home dugout, even if the performance itself left room for improvement.
Cheltenham boss Tom Davies has overhauled his playing squad during the summer, bringing in no fewer than 12 new signings. Two of those – Keira O’Keefe and Shurima Vine – arrived from Gwalia United, adding to what is already a strong Welsh contingent within the Cheltenham ranks.
The Robinesses have endured a difficult start to their Southern Premier League campaign, losing both of their opening two fixtures – the most recent a heartbreaking last-minute 2-1 defeat away at AFC Bournemouth.
Gwalia, by contrast, have made a perfect start to their own season, winning away at Ascot before seeing off Bournemouth Sports at home, and they will relish the challenge of testing themselves against their Tier 3 opponents as they open their FA Women’s National League Cup campaign in Group C.
Adding a further layer of intrigue to proceedings is the arrival of Issy Newns at Gwalia from Cheltenham, ensuring there will be familiar faces on both sides when the two teams meet at Kayte Lane.
Thursday’s trip to Gloucestershire is the first of three group fixtures that will decide Gwalia’s route through the competition, with the visit of Kidderminster Harriers to USW Sport Park on September 6, followed by a journey to Sixways Stadium to face Worcester City to finish the group stage at the end of September.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting between the two sides at Kayte Lane came back in February 2026, when Gwalia staged an impressive second-half comeback to earn a deserved 2-2 draw. Georgia Galley and Indie Power had given the hosts a commanding half-time lead, but goals from Georgia Walters and Keira O’Keefe ensured Gwalia maintained their post-Christmas unbeaten run.
Match Officials
Stuart Parker will referee Thursday’s game, assisted by Richard Cutts and Michael Jones.
Getting There
Travelling Gwalia United supporters face a journey of around 75 miles, taking roughly one hour 40 minutes, from the USW Sport Park to Kayte Lane (GL52 3PD), home of Bishops Cleeve FC.
Kayte Lane has a fully licensed clubhouse bar, tea bar and refreshments café, covered seating and covered standing areas. The nearest pub is approximately one mile away.
There is on-site car parking at the ground. Please note that there is no disabled parking at the ground, but there are disabled seating areas and toilets.
The nearest train station to Kayte Lane is Cheltenham Spa. Supporters are advised to catch the bus from the station forecourt to Bishop’s Cleeve.
Bus travel to Bishop’s Cleeve is provided by Cheltenham’s D & E buses, which can be caught directly from Cheltenham Spa station forecourt. Supporters are encouraged to use the new E service, with the nearest stop being “Before The Highgrove” on Voxwell Lane. From there, the ground is a 15-minute walk from the crossroads with Cheltenham Road, along Two Hedges Road and onto Kayte Lane. Alternatively, once the service loops around and begins its return journey towards Cheltenham, the stops “Dale Walk North” and “After Woodman’s Way” on Bishops Drive are also close by, leaving a nine and seven-minute walk respectively, along Two Hedges Road and onto Kayte Lane.
Tickets
Tickets for the game are priced at £7.50 for adults, £1 for under-18s, £5 for students and £15 for a family ticket (admitting two adults and up to four under-18s). Please note that valid student ID may be required at the turnstile when using a student ticket.
Tickets can be bought in advance via the Cheltenham Town ticketing website.
