Gwalia United travel to Devon on Sunday looking to protect an eight-match unbeaten run when they take on Marine Academy Plymouth in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West.
Last Sunday, Gwalia won 2-1 at Bristol Rovers thanks to goals from Esme Kilburn-Thompson and Daisy Ackerman, a result that sent them into the second round of the FA Women’s National League Plate, where they will face Arsenal PGA. The pair have now scored 19 goals between them this season.
That victory followed an agonising 2-2 draw with Bristol Rovers in their most recent league fixture. Gwalia will now look to claim maximum points from the journey down the M5 to keep pace with the early pacesetters in Division One South West.
Marine Academy Plymouth earned a useful point on the road when they drew 1-1 with Torquay United in a Devon derby at Plainmoor, with Ellie Bishop on the scoresheet for the visitors.
The community-rooted club endured a difficult start to the season but have improved in recent weeks, beating Bournemouth Sports for their first league win of the campaign and taking a point away at Maidenhead United. Samantha Drewery is the player to watch, with four goals in 11 appearances.
Gwalia manager Cori Williams-Mills said: “We’re expecting a tough, physical game, but we’ve worked hard to build this unbeaten run, and we want to protect it. If we bring our intensity and stay disciplined, we’ll give ourselves a real chance of three points. We’ve got a game in hand on the sides above us, so every result counts.”
Head-to-head
This will be the first time the sides have met in a competitive match.
Match officials
The referee is Shaun Thorne of the Somerset Football Association. He will be assisted by Olivia Oakes of the Cornwall Football Association and Terry Rogers. The last Gwalia game Thorne officiated was the 1-0 FAWNL Southern Premier home defeat against Real Bedford in October 2025.
Getting there
Gwalia supporters travelling to Erme Valley Stadium (PL21 9ES) from the USW Sport Park face a journey of around 144 miles, which should take approximately two hours and 36 minutes.
At the end of the M5 near Exeter, follow the A38 Devon Expressway before leaving at the signs for Ivybridge (B3213). Turn left at the junction signposted Ermington and shortly afterwards you will see signs for Ivybridge Town Football Club on your right. The ground is next to South Devon Tennis Centre.
Erme Valley Stadium is the home of Ivybridge Town. It has a capacity of 1,000 and a grass playing surface, with one small covered seated stand and another covered standing area. Parking on site is limited as it is shared with the tennis centre.
Tickets
Tickets cost £4 for adults. Under 18s go free.
Feature Image Credit: South Hams District Council
