by Michael Addison
Gwalia United travel to Hampshire to face Winchester City Flyers in the first round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at The Charters Community Stadium. Kick-off is at 2pm. Two divisions and 19 league places separate the sides in the league pyramid.
Last weekend, Gwalia ended a three-game losing run, defeating Tottenham Hotspur PGA side 4-3 after extra-time (AET) in the FA Women’s National League Plate at the USW Sport Park.
This result marked Stevie McCarthy-Campbell’s first win as Head Coach. Heidi Hills had given Spurs a first-half lead, before three quickfire goals from Casi Gregson, a stunning effort by Georgia Walters, and Cori Williams-Mills made it 3-1. Hills scored two before the 90th minute to get her hat-trick and bring the game all-square, taking it to extra-time.
In the first-half of extra-time, Williams-Mills was fouled for a spot kick. After a retake, she scored from 12-yards, with Williams-Mills’ brace sending Gwalia into the next round, where we will face London Bees at home on the 9th of November.
For the hosts, Winchester have had a strong start to the season, sitting in second place in the fifth tier, only three points behind leaders Wycombe Wanderers. In the FA Cup, they progressed through the Second and Third qualifying rounds, defeating Sholing (2-2 – 5-4 on penalties) and Yeovil Town (1-0) at home.
For Gwalia, we aim to build on our cup run from last season, as we reached the third round. After defeating Swindon Town and Bridgwater, we were rewarded with an away draw versus then WSL2, now WSL side London City Lionesses, bowing out with a 4-0 away defeat.
Extra-time and penalties will settle the result should the game be drawn after 90 minutes. The Second Round draw is on Monday night, which is live on the TNT Sports YouTube Channel from 7pm.
To keep up-to-date with the game, follow updates on our social media channels and the live match blog on our website.
