Gwalia United continued their preparations for the new season with an impressive 5-1 victory over Sporting Khalsa in a behind-closed-doors friendly, as Daisy Ackerman’s superb hat-trick helped secure an emphatic win.
The fixture brought together two sides who suffered relegation from the FA Women’s National League Premier Division last season and now find themselves preparing for life in Division One. However, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Gwalia as they delivered an energetic and composed display against their Midlands visitors. The home side made the perfect start after just ten minutes when Ackerman produced a moment of real quality to break the deadlock. Cutting in from the flank, the forward unleashed a thunderous curling effort that flew beyond the Sporting Khalsa goalkeeper and into the far corner to give Gwalia an early advantage.
Khalsa responded positively and were rewarded with an equaliser midway through the first half. A dangerous delivery into the penalty area caused problems for the Gwalia defence, allowing the visitors’ attacker to nip in at the far post and finish clinically from close range. Undeterred by the setback, Gwalia quickly regained control of the contest and restored their lead in spectacular fashion. Awarded a free-kick just outside the penalty area, Ackerman stepped up confidently and struck a magnificent effort under the wall and into the net to claim her second goal of the afternoon.
With momentum firmly in their favour, Gwalia extended their lead before the break through one of the club’s trialists. Showing composure inside the area, the forward finished smartly to make it 3-1 and cap an impressive first-half display from the hosts. The second period saw Gwalia continue to dominate possession and create chances, with several returning players from last season demonstrating sharpness and determination as preparations for the new campaign continue.
Ackerman completed her hat-trick midway through the half, adding another well-taken finish to round off an excellent individual performance. The striker’s clinical display highlighted both her eye for goal and the attacking threat that Gwalia will hope to carry into the competitive season. The scoring was completed later in the match when the same trialist grabbed her second goal of the afternoon, finishing confidently to secure a 5-1 victory and complete a productive outing for the home side.
There were several standout performances across the pitch for Gwalia. In midfield, Manon Pearce and Molly Kehoe looked particularly sharp, controlling the tempo of the game and linking defence with attack effectively throughout the afternoon. Defensively, Benedicte Håland once again proved imperious, marshalling the back line with authority and composure. Callie Jones and Cerys Jones both impressed as they rotated through defensive roles alongside Ellie-Mai Sanford, who delivered another assured display and continues to build on her strong performances.
While the result itself will provide encouragement, the afternoon offered an opportunity for players to gain valuable minutes and continue developing important partnerships ahead of the season ahead. With Ackerman in sparkling form and a number of players already showing encouraging signs, Gwalia United can take plenty of positives from an accomplished performance as preparations continue for the challenges that lie ahead.
