Match Report: Gwalia United 2–3 Exeter City
Date: 8th September 2024
Venue: Newport Stadium
Full-Time: Gwalia United 2–3 Exeter City
Gwalia United suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Exeter City in a thrilling contest that ended 3-2. Despite taking the lead twice, Gwalia were undone by a late goal from Exeter’s Sarah Stacey in the 88th minute, dashing the hopes of the home side.
First Half:
The match started brightly for Gwalia United, and it wasn’t long before they found their rhythm. In the 18th minute, a beautifully weighted through ball from Elena Cole found Ellie Sargent in space. Sargent’s drive into the box set up Kylie Nolan, who calmly finished to give Gwalia the early lead, 1-0.
Exeter responded with urgency, applying pressure and forcing Gwalia’s defence into action. The home side looked solid at the back, with Ellie Lake making a crucial slide tackle in the 42nd minute to stop a dangerous Exeter attack. Just before the break, Nolan came close to doubling her tally, hitting the post after a quick counter-attack.
The teams went into halftime with Gwalia holding a slender 1-0 advantage.
Second Half:
The second half began in dramatic fashion. Gwalia were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute after Nolan was brought down by Exeter’s keeper Abiie Bond. Elena Cole stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, extending Gwalia’s lead to 2-0.
However, Exeter quickly fought back. Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham pulled one back in the 63rd minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. Momentum shifted as Gwalia struggled to maintain possession, and in the 78th minute, Sophie Gillies scored the equalizer, making it 2-2.
As the match neared its conclusion, Gwalia pushed forward in search of a winner. Nolan came close again in the 81st minute, forcing Bond into a superb save.
Late Drama:
With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Exeter struck a devastating blow. In the 88th minute, Sarah Stacey netted the decisive goal, completing Exeter’s comeback and sealing the victory.
In the final moments, tensions ran high as both Amber Pollock and Ellie Lake received yellow cards in stoppage time, while Courtney Jones came on as a late substitute for Sophie Gillies. Nolan had one last chance to rescue a point for Gwalia, but her effort drifted wide.
Final Score:
Gwalia United 2–3 Exeter City
