Gwalia United Face Tough Test Against High-Flying Exeter
Gwalia United face a tough challenge this Sunday as they travel to third-placed Exeter for a crucial National League encounter.
After last weekend’s home fixture against Oxford was postponed, Gwalia are set to play their third consecutive away match. Adding to this, Plymouth Argyle have capitalised on Gwalia’s inactivity by playing twice in that time, overtaking them in the standings. This means Gwalia United find themselves in the relegation zone for the first time this season. Manager James Thomas, who will oversee his first game in charge on Sunday, will be acutely aware of the importance of the fixture.
However, earning a positive result will be a formidable task against an Exeter team in scintillating form. The newly promoted side has quickly established itself as a force in women’s football, becoming a source of pride for Devon. Currently sitting third in the table, they are just six points off the top spot with a game in hand on leaders Hashtag United.
Exeter have won five of their last seven league matches and enjoyed a five-game winning streak across all competitions before suffering a defeat to Sunderland in the FA Cup last week. Their attacking prowess has been key to their success, with star forwards Sarah Stacey and Sophie Gillies scoring a combined 35 goals this season. Gillies, who returned to the club in January last year after a stint in America, has also contributed 18 assists, continuing to build on her record-breaking form.
Exeter’s lethal attack will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Gwalia on Sunday. For Thomas’s side, finding a way to disrupt their momentum could make all the difference in what promises to be a fiercely contested match.
Photo Credits: Exeter City Women | Meg Monk Photography | Ian Lovell
