Daisy Ackerman scored her second hat-trick in as many weeks as Gwalia United eased into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup with a convincing win over AFC Stoneham. Gwalia led 2-0 at half-time thanks to first-half goals from Esme Kilburn Thompson and Ellie-Mai Sanford, before Ackerman took centre stage after the break. Her three goals took her tally to six in two matches, while Kylie Nolan also got on the scoresheet as Gwalia pulled clear.
Gwalia made their intent clear from the first whistle, pressing high and moving the ball with purpose. Kilburn Thompson and Sanford both found the net before the interval, and the two-goal cushion was the least the hosts deserved for their early performance. Katie Quick was a constant threat down the wing creating chances for her teammates.
Stoneham were far from overwhelmed in that opening 45 minutes, though. They stayed organised, competed for every second ball and gave Gwalia plenty to think about, which made the half-time lead feel earned. After the restart, it was Ackerman’s afternoon. Her movement troubled the AFC Stoneham back line, her finishing was clinical, and once she found her range there was no way back for the visitors. Nolan’s long chipped goal added to the gloss on the result as Gwalia’s attacking quality told across the pitch.
Katie Davies and Megan Bible were among Gwalia’s standout performers, controlling the tempo and keeping the side’s rhythm throughout. Their work in and out of possession gave the forwards the platform to flourish, and their influence on the game grew as the afternoon went on.
For manager Cori Williams-Mills, the priority was progression.
“Going through to the next round is so important for us,” she said. “The FA Cup is such a prestigious competition and everyone wants to keep going in it.
“Stoneham gave a good account of themselves today and made us work for it, so I’m really proud of how the players responded. We’re delighted to be through and we look forward to seeing who we draw next.”
The afternoon also carried added significance with the return to action of Wales international goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan Jones. She was injured in the build-up to Euro 2025 and has fought hard to get back to fitness, making this appearance a milestone in a long recovery.
Her return was a welcome sight for everyone connected with the club, and a reminder of the resilience required to come back from such a setback. A player of her experience and quality back between the posts is a major boost for Gwalia as they look to build on this result.
Williams-Mills was keen to highlight the goalkeeper’s journey.
“It was absolutely delightful to see Laura back out there,” she said. “She has worked so hard to come back from injury, and the determination she has shown has been brilliant. Everyone at the club is so pleased for her, and it was a really special moment to see her return to action in such an important game.”
With Ackerman in sparkling form, a key figure back in the fold and a place secured in the next round, Gwalia will fancy their chances against whoever comes out of the hat.
