Gwalia United head up the M5 on Sunday knowing that only victory at Worcester City will keep alive their hopes of extending their FA Women’s National League Cup campaign.
The final Group C fixture at the Sixways Stadium is effectively a must-win game for Gwalia, who have taken just one point from their opening two matches.
A creditable 1-1 draw away at Cheltenham Town in August was followed by a narrow 1-0 home defeat by Kidderminster Harriers at USW Sport Park earlier this month.
Three points on Sunday would give them an outside chance of finishing among the 20 best third-placed teams across the group stage – enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the National League Plate.
Worcester City go into the game bottom of Group C and still searching for their first points of the competition – but they will take plenty of encouragement from their last cup outing.
The Division One Midlands side came agonisingly close to a shock result against third-tier Cheltenham Town, eventually losing 4-3 after having an injury-time penalty saved.
Worcester have won their last three league matches, most recently a 2-1 victory away at Northampton Town, with Evie Billingsley and Annabel Sime on the scoresheet.
Gwalia travel with renewed confidence after returning to winning ways last weekend.
Having seen their unbeaten league start ended by Moneyfields, they responded with an impressive 2-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers, with Molly Kehoe and Manon Pearce scoring the goals.
The challenge now is to carry that momentum across the border and into the cup, against a Worcester side with plenty to prove on home soil.
Head-to-Head
Sunday’s match will be the first competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Match Officials
Referee Ryan Jennings (Coventry and District Referees’ Association) will take charge of the game. He will be assisted by James Johnson (Leicestershire FA) and James Green (Worcestershire FA).
Getting There
Worcester City Women play their home games at the impressive Sixways Stadium, which holds just under 12,100 spectators. Supporters travelling from USW Sport Park face a journey of around 86 miles, which should take approximately one hour and 35 minutes.
The stadium is on Warriors Way, Worcester (postcode WR3 8ZE). To get to the stadium, leave the M5 at Junction 6 and take the A4538 (Pershore Lane) towards Droitwich. The Sixways Stadium complex is around 500 yards further on, clearly signposted on your left as you drive down the hill.
There is a free on-site car park with space for up to 1,000 cars, located on the right as you enter the stadium and clearly signposted. Multiple accessible parking bays are available, although only vehicles displaying a Blue Badge will be permitted to use them.
The stadium opens 90 minutes before kick-off, and supporters will have access to unreserved seating in the West Stand. Refreshments will be on sale before and throughout the match.
Please note that, due to site rules, dogs are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs.
Tickets
Ticket prices for Sunday’s match are:
- Adults (16-64): £6
- Concessions (65+, students, Blue Light card holders, ex-forces): £4
- Juniors (under 16): £2.50
- Family ticket (two adults and two juniors): £14.50
Tickets can be bought online in advance via the Worcester City Women website.
Feature Image Credit: Worcester City Football Club
