By Michael Addison
Gwalia United face AFC Wimbledon this weekend at the Imperial Fields for matchday five of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division season.
After defeat last Sunday at the hands of league leaders Bournemouth in the league, Gwalia emerged victorious on Thursday evening, defeating Keynsham Town 1-0, with Katie Quick’s second-half goal ensuring we made it two wins from two in our FA Women’s National League Cup campaign.
Four points and four places separate both sides, with Gwalia sitting in sixth place, while Wimbledon sit in 11th, searching for their first win of this league season, drawing two and losing two of their first four.
AFC Wimbledon are the affiliate women’s team to the men’s side, who ply their trade in EFL League One. The women’s side was reformed in 2003, a year after the men’s side. In the last decade, the Dons have been on the ascend, fighting for promotion, until last year when they won the FA WNL National League South Division 1 as champions under the management of long-serving manager Kevin Foster.
Last season, Wimbledon finished seventh, nine points more than Gwalia, who finished ninth.
Wimbledon play at Imperial Fields, home of Tooting and Mitcham, with select fixtures played at the Cherry Red Records Stadium, better known as Plough Lane, home of the men’s side.
Last Time Out
Gwalia moved to the top of the FA WNL Cup Group C table on goal difference with a hard-fought win over Keynsham Town, with Quick’s 72nd-minute goal the difference maker between the sides.
This result meant Gwalia have maintained their 100% winning record in this competition this season, sitting above Swindon Town in the table by two goals.
Meanwhile, Wimbledon picked up a point at Home Park last weekend against Plymouth Argyle.
Initially falling behind to a Phoebe Poole penalty, Wimbledon fought back to level in injury time. Ashlee Hincks’ free-kick found Ellie Dorey, who headed home the equaliser to claim a point in Devon.
Last Meeting
The hosts picked up three points when both teams met last December. Emily Donovan’s goal separated the sides in the clash just before Christmas.
However, Gwalia won the early-season battle at Newport Stadium, also winning 1-0, as Emily Poole’s corner evaded everyone to give Gwalia their first win of last season’s campaign over the then newly-promoted Dons.
