Gwalia United Secures Narrow Win Against Bournemouth Sports in FA Women’s National League
Gwalia United continued their winning streak in the FA Women’s National League Division One South with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth Sports. The match took place during Gwalia’s first home league game of the season, where Molly Kehoe’s second-half goal proved to be the match-winner.
Despite a promising start from both teams, it was Gwalia who held onto their confidence from a previous 6-0 triumph over Ascot United. Meanwhile, Bournemouth also entered the match on a high after claiming a 2-1 win against Keynsham Town.
During an evenly-matched first half, Bournemouth created several opportunities, with Ana Machado, Liane Folkenstern, and Freya Jennings unable to convert their chances. However, the hosts raised their game after the break, with Esme Kilburn-Thompson coming close to scoring before Kehoe’s attempt from distance narrowly missed the target.
The decisive moment came when Kehoe found the net, reacting swiftly to slot home from close range after goalkeeper Kayleigh Prout could only parry Bonnie Gready’s powerful shot. Gwalia pressed for a second goal, with Kehoe and Kylie Nolan both threatening the Bournemouth defense.
In a dramatic turn, Bournemouth was awarded a penalty late in the match after Callie Jones fouled Emma Whall within the box. Rosie Eden stepped up to take the penalty but missed the target, allowing Gwalia to secure the three points.
Looking ahead, Cori Williams-Mills’ side is set to travel to Cheltenham Town for a League Cup match on Thursday, August 27, at 19:45 BST, followed by a league fixture against Torquay next weekend.
Gwalia United made it two wins from two in the FA Women’s National League Division One South with a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth Sports.
Molly Kehoe’s second-half strike proved decisive in their first home league game of the season, although Bournemouth were handed a late chance to snatch a point but Rosie Eden failed to convert a penalty.
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Gwalia kicked off full of confidence after their 6-0 opening-day win at Ascot United, while Bournemouth also started with a victory by beating Keynsham Town 2-1.
Though they finished 10th last season, the visitors fashioned the better opportunities in an evenly-contested first half with Ana Machado, Liane Folkenstern and Freya Jennings all spurning chances.
The hosts improved after half-time with Esme Kilburn-Thompson going close before Kehoe curled a long-range effort narrowly wide.
Kehoe eventually broke the deadlock when she slotted home from close range after being quickest to react when Bonnie Gready’s fierce strike was parried by goalkeeper Kayleigh Prout.
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Gwalia pushed for a second, with Kehoe and Kylie Nolan both going close, but Bournemouth were given a route back into the game when Callie Jones was penalised for a foul on Emma Whall in the box late on.
Eden missed the target from the spot and ensured Gwalia held on for all three points.
Cori Williams-Mills’ side travel to Cheltenham Town in the League Cup on Thursday, 27 August (19:45 BST) before travelling to Torquay in the league next weekend.
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