By Michael Addison: Gwalia United / University of South Wales School of Journalism
Fourth play fifth as Gwalia United host Real Bedford on matchday six of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division season at the USW Sport Park tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2pm). Sunday’s match marks Charlie Mitchell’s first game in charge as Interim Head Coach.
League victory away at AFC Wimbledon was followed up last weekend with a defeat, as we ended our FA Women’s National League Cup campaign with a 2-6 loss to Swindon Town, with Casi Gregson and Eliza Collie getting Gwalia on the scoresheet. This result saw Gwalia finish second, qualifying for the FA WNL Plate competition, where we have drawn Tottenham Hotspur PGA at home on Sunday, the 19th of October at home.
Only one goal separates the teams the league table, with both registering nine points from five games this season, with a difference of just one goal.
Led by Charlie Bill, the 2024/25 season saw Real Bedford win the Division One South East title, winning promotion to the Southern Premier Division, losing just once all season. In association with the men’s side since 2022, the club also won the double lifting the Bedfordshire County Cup as they beat Luton Town 5-0, capping off a very successful season for the Pirates. Similar to Gwalia, Real Bedford have picked up six points on their travels this season, defeating Billericay Town (0-6) and AFC Wimbledon (1-2), resulting in an encouraging start for the newly-promoted side.
