Billericay held their nerve to secure a 1-0 victory against Gwalia United in a match filled with drama, missed chances, and defensive resilience. Maddie Biggs’ early strike proved the difference, as the visitors weathered an intense second-half push from the hosts.
The game sparked into life in the sixth minute when Emily Poole was tackled around midfield and Biggs, given too much space in the area, lashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Gwalia goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan-Jones had no chance, and it set the tone for a challenging evening for the home side.
Gwalia struggled initially but grew into the match, with midfield dynamo Elena Cole dictating play. Cole’s tireless work, combined with Emily Poole and Keira O’Keefe’s grit, gave the home side hope. Ruby Scahill went closest before the break, narrowly missing the target after a flowing team move that got the Newport crowd on its feet.
The second half was a tense affair. Billericay thought they had doubled their lead when Ylenia Priest turned in a set-piece delivery, but the linesman’s flag kept Gwalia alive.
Manager Burrage-Male responded decisively, making four substitutions at the 55-minute mark to inject fresh energy. Jessie Taylor and Ellie Sargent led the charge, but Gwalia couldn’t capitalize on their increasing dominance. Billericay remained dangerous on the counter, with Valentine Pursey nearly putting the game beyond doubt. Only a brilliant point-blank save from O’Sullivan-Jones kept Gwalia in contention.
The hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages. Casi Gregson saw her effort blocked in a chaotic goalmouth scramble, while Cori Williams-Mills’ header from the resulting corner went agonisingly close. As frustration mounted, Gwalia earned a late free-kick on the edge of the box, but the opportunity fizzled out.
Billericay’s bolstered by the introduction of former Spurs players Jessica Francis-Weir and Ella Houghton, stood firm. Houghton’s late yellow card for a tactical foul highlighted the desperation of a team determined to hang on. Despite Gwalia’s relentless efforts, and having the best of the second half by some distance, Billericay’s early goal and defensive steel proved decisive. Gwalia will rue their missed chances, but the visitors’ organisation and composure under pressure earned them their victory.
Full-time: Gwalia United 0-1 Billericay Town.
