Gwalia United and Lewes played out a tense 0-0 draw at Newport Stadium in a match full of chances but lacking the decisive finish. Both sides battled hard in a game that saw plenty of near misses, big saves, and physical challenges — but ultimately, neither team could find the breakthrough.
From the outset, both teams started with energy, putting both defences under pressure early. Hannah Godfrey had the first notable effort in the eighth minute, heading over from a free kick. Gwalia responded through Casi Gregson, making her first start since a November injury, who nearly created an opening in the 19th minute after turning a defender inside out — only for her shot to be blocked at the last moment.
The first half remained tightly contested. Gwalia’s goalkeeper O’Sullivan-Jones was called into action several times, most notably in the 27th minute when a close-range effort from Lewes ricochet onto both posts. Cerys Jones was on hand to clear the danger with a vital goal-line clearance. At the other end, tenacious Kylie Nolan tested Lewes’ defence with quick footwork. As the half drew to a close, both sides seemed capable of breaking the deadlock, but it remained 0-0 at the break.
Gwalia came out strong in the second half, with Nolan and Pearce creating early openings. In the 51st minute, Nolan raced through one-on-one with Lewes’ goalkeeper Emily Moore, but Moore produced a brilliant save to keep the scores level. Moments later, Ellie-Mai Sanford’s chipped effort hit the inside of the post and was on the verge of crossing the line for a goal before Lewes scrambled the ball clear.
The game grew increasingly physical, with both sides committing fouls in key areas. Godfrey received a yellow card for a heavy challenge on Nolan in the 47th minute, while Sanford also found herself in the referee’s book later in the game. Lewes pressed hard in the closing stages. In the 93rd minute, Roche delivered a dangerous free kick, but O’Sullivan-Jones saved comfortably. Ellie-Mai Sanford, despite taking a knock to the head, defended bravely to keep Lewes at bay. Roche had one last chance from a free kick in the 95th minute, but her effort was straight at the very reliable O’Sullivan-Jones.
The final whistle confirmed a goalless draw — a result that reflects the evenly matched nature of the contest. Both sides will be left wondering how they failed to score.
