Bristol Rovers Women take on Gwalia United in the first game of their FAWNL Plate campaign this weekend, just three days after rescuing a point in Wales.
At USW Sports Park, Esme Kilburn-Thompson twice put Gwalia ahead either side of half-time, but Anais Trinci’s goal just before the break allowed Ruby Scahill’s superb strike from the edge of the box to claim a late point on the road for the Gas.
Rovers now have to prepare to take on the same opposition for the second time in the week, though this time in the FAWNL Plate, having drawn Gwalia after finishing third in the FAWNL Cup group stage.
Read everything you need to know about the fixture below…
Tickets…
Tickets can be purchased on the day of the fixture, at the gate, or online here.
Men's season ticket holders gain free entry to all Women's home matches.
Opposition…
Impressively, Gwalia are unbeaten since September 13, when they lost 2-1 at home to Moneyfields. The week after, they began the run that’s seen them win five times and draw twice across all competitions, starting with their 2-0 away triumph against Wycombe Wanderers, courtesy of first-half goals from Molly Kehoe and Manon Pearce.
In the FAWNL Cup, Gwalia kept the wins coming – though they came close to being knocked out by fellow Tier Four side Worcester City. Lowri Walker’s 87th-minute leveller threatened to undo the work of former Rovers forward Daisy Ackerman, whose first-half hat-trick put her team three to the good, but substitute Isobel Newns netted in injury time to send Gwalia through in third place.
Lower-level side AFC Stoneham provided little threat as they crossed the bridge, falling 6-0 in the final round of FA Cup qualifying. Gwalia then slipped up against Keynsham, surrendering a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 as keeper Benni Haland was also dismissed.
Gwalia were straight back to it in Maidenhead, however, coming away with a 3-1 win. They then made light work of Yate Town in the FA Cup, scoring five for no reply, before most recently being pegged back by Rovers twice as the Welsh side dropped two points in added time.
Last Season…
After a gripping relegation battle, Gwalia were ultimately relegated back to Tier Four for this season after a cruel final day outcome.
Despite going unbeaten across the season against fellow strugglers Cheltenham Town, Hashtag United, AFC Wimbledon, and Billericay Town – all of whom were fighting the drop on the final day too – Gwalia were the ones to be relegated due to their 87th-minute 2-1 loss away to Exeter City.
But in fact, the Welsh side were only separated from the Dons on goals scored, making for an agonising outcome given that a win could’ve taken them to mid-table in eighth.
