By Michael Addison, USW Sports Journalism Gwalia Placement Partnership
Gwalia United make the trip to Hertfordshire on Sunday to take on the league’s second-place side, Watford, at the Orbital Fastener Stadium on matchday 10 of the FA Women’s National League Division season. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Gwalia progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Women’s National League Plate last Sunday, as defeating London Bees 3-2 at the USW Sport Park. A bright start to proceedings saw Gwalia race into a 2-0 lead after just seven minutes. Tia Asker’s controlled finish from distance, and then Cori Williams-Mills’ back-post header from a Daisy Ackerman corner doubled the lead. Betty Larkin pulled one back after 17 minutes for the visitors to make it 2-1.
Substituted on at the break, Keira O’Keefe guided the ball past Tia Ginn from close range to make it 3-1.
However, with the last action of the game, Larkin got her brace to make it 3-2.
As a result, Gwalia will now host Brighton and Hove Albion’s Academy at home on the 11th of January with a regional semi-final place on the line.
For the Hornets, this is their second season in this division, following a 3rd place finish last season.
They are yet to taste defeat this season, having won seven of their nine league games; only goal difference prevents Watford from top spot.
In their last league game, Watford defeated Oxford United 2-0 away from home, with Izzy Fisher and Anne Meiwald continuing the side’s unbeaten league start.
These two met in the league last season, with Watford winning both league meetings.
In February at Newport Stadium, the Hornets won thanks to goals from Bianca Baptiste, Anna Filbey and Poppy Wilson, sending the visiting side away from Wales with the three points.
April’s return fixture at Vicarage Road resulted in another victory for Watford in the penultimate game of the season.
Ellie Head, a Madison Perry brace, and a Flo Fyfe goal were the difference makers, completing the league double over Gwalia.
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