Gwalia United Prepare for First Round Clash with Swindon
The Adobe Women’s FA Cup is a breeding ground for legends, where gripping footballing tales are told, and players rise to the occasion. Each year, the competition carries a profound social and economic impact on clubs and communities alike. For Gwalia United, this is more than just a tournament – it’s a stage to represent Welsh women’s football on a national level. With the sport’s rapid growth, this year’s competition is primed to be as exhilarating as ever, offering clubs a chance to play elite teams, step onto prestigious pitches, and make history.
This season, Gwalia United faces Swindon in the first round, a fixture that head coach Fern Burrage-Male eagerly anticipates. “We will always enjoy it; we will always take it very seriously, and we are looking forward to the weekend,” said Burrage-Male. “We’re looking forward to the opposition and the game itself, and we like a cup run, so we’re going to put our best foot forward.”
The last few years have seen Gwalia United deliver unforgettable FA Cup performances. During the 2022-23 season, they defied the odds against Burnley in a fourth-round match held at the Lancashire FA County Ground. Up against a team from a higher division, Gwalia United stunned fans and pundits alike. Goals from Cori Williams Mills and a brace from Laura Williams saw Gwalia leading 3-0 at half-time. A magnificent goal from Ingrid Aadland in the second half sealed a 4-1 triumph over Burnley, sending Gwalia United into the last eight and adding another chapter to the “magic of the FA Cup.”
Another standout cup run occurred five years earlier when Gwalia reached the fourth round after a nail-biting penalty shootout win over Oxford City Ladies, then a WSL 2 side. That victory set up a clash with former cup winners Charlton Athletic, who ultimately proved too strong, winning 3-1 despite a determined effort from Gwalia, including a goal from Cori Williams Mills. Charlton’s victory propelled them toward a quarterfinal against Arsenal and, later that season, promotion.
Reflecting on the FA Cup’s role in Gwalia United’s campaign, Burrage-Male highlighted the importance of carrying forward the team’s recent momentum. “The most important thing is that we take a positive step from the last game we played,” she noted. “We’re raring to go and desperate to get back on the field.”
For Gwalia’s star striker Cori Williams Mills, who played a key role in the memorable Burnley win, the FA Cup offers invaluable exposure and excitement. “A good run is always good for the club,” she explained. Swindon currently sit a league below Gwalia, a position that brings back memories for Williams Mills of Gwalia’s own underdog encounters. “We know what it’s like to play teams in the league above, so we definitely know how they’re feeling and how they’re going into the game.”
Reflecting on last year’s less successful cup run, Williams Mills expressed a hunger for redemption. “We didn’t have a good run last year, and I don’t think we did ourselves justice. So, we are looking for a good run this year.”
Gwalia United’s journey in the FA Cup has been one of resilience, ambition, and occasional giant-killing. As they head into the weekend’s match against Swindon, the team carries with them the hopes of Welsh women’s football – and the belief that this season, they can make even more FA Cup history.
