Gwalia United face a stern test on Sunday as they travel to high-flying Exeter City in the Southern Premier National League, with James Thomas making his league debut as manager.
Following the postponement of their home match against Oxford last weekend, Gwalia are gearing up for their third away fixture in a row. Thomas, who steps into the managerial role at an important part of the season, is keen to embrace the challenge.
“I’m so excited to get started with this group of players,” he said. “This is a team with real potential, and I’ve been impressed by the hunger and attitude in training. We’ve got a tough challenge ahead of us, no doubt about it, but these players are ready to show what they can do.
“This league is relentless, and every single game matters, but I see this as a fresh start. It’s an opportunity for us to reset and begin building something positive. We’re under no illusions about the quality Exeter possess, but football is full of surprises, and we’re determined to make our mark.”
The test could hardly be more imposing. Newly promoted Exeter City have quickly cemented their place among the league’s elite. Currently third in the table and with a game in hand on league leaders , the Devonians have been a revelation. Their attack has been particularly prolific, with Sarah Stacey and Sophie Gillies in fine form.
For Gwalia, it’s not just about earning points; it’s about laying the groundwork for a new era under Thomas.
“This is a great chance for us to start afresh,” he added. “It’s never easy coming into a situation like this, but I truly believe in this group. The fans deserve to see a team that fights for every ball and leaves everything on the pitch. I’m excited to see how we grow over the coming weeks. There’s a lot of talent in this squad, and I know they’re capable of achieving great things. Sunday will be tough, but it’s also an opportunity to show resilience and character. I can’t wait to see how the players respond.”
With Gwalia battling to climb up the table and Exeter pushing for a shot at the title, Sunday’s game promises to be a compelling contest in Taunton.
