The London Bees make the long trip to Wales this weekend as they take on Gwalia United at the USW Sports Park in the next round of the FAWNL Plate Cup.
London Bees:
The London Bees bounced back from Thursday night’s defeat with an impressive 1–0 away victory over league rivals Luton Town.
The visitors started strongly, with Shamoy Campbell’s pace and creativity down the right causing early problems for the hosts.
Rebekah Wozniak made a welcome return from injury, marshalling a disciplined Bees defence that limited Luton’s chances throughout.
Goalkeeper Tia Ginn kept her side level with a superb close-range save before Millie Isherwood produced a moment of brilliance, curling a free kick over the wall and into the top corner to give the Bees a deserved lead.
Sam Lanza came close to doubling the advantage before halftime, striking the post with a powerful effort.
The Bees maintained their intensity after the break, with Campbell continuing to threaten and Daisy Hind testing the keeper from distance.
Ginn remained composed, tipping a dangerous Luton free kick over the bar to preserve the lead.
Late substitutes, including Sandra Martins and Betty Larkin, added fresh energy, and despite late pressure from Luton, the Bees held firm to claim a well-earned clean sheet and three valuable points on the road.
London Bees last five results:
Luton Town 0-1 London Bees
London Bees 1-2 Actonians
London Bees 5-3 Barking (Adobe WFA Cup)
Cambridge United 3-4 London Bees (FAWNL League Cup)
Dulwich Hamlet 1-3 London Bees
In the dugout:
Tim Abramyan pre-match interview can be viewed HERE!
Gwalia United:
Gwalia United FC is a women’s football club based in South Wales, founded originally in 1975 as Llanedeyrn L.F.C. following a local charity match.
Over time the club underwent several name changes, including Cardiff L.F.C. in 1981, then Cardiff County L.F.C. around 1997, and later affiliated with Cardiff City Ladies F.C.
In March 2024 it was announced the club would rebrand as Gwalia United ahead of the 2024-25 season, the name “Gwalia” being an archaic Welsh term for Wales, reflecting a renewed identity and growth ambitions.
The club participate in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, and in their recent match the Welsh side lost 5-1 to Plymouth Argyle.
Plymouth took the lead through Tamara Wilcock before extending their advantage early in the second half.
Substitute Casi Gregson pulled one back with a composed finish to make it 3–1, briefly lifting hopes of a comeback, but Plymouth’s clinical finishing told as they added two late goals through Charlotte Whitmore.
Gwalia United last five results:
Plymouth Argyle 5-1 Gwalia United
Gwalia United 1-1 Cheltenham Town
Winchester City Flyers 0-4 Gwalia United (Adobe WFA Cup)
Gwalia United 4-3 Tottenham Hotspur Academy (FAWNL League Cup)
Lewes 4-0 Gwalia United
In the opposition dugout:
Gwalia United manager Steve McCarthy-Campbell will be in the dugout for the hosts this Sunday.
Steve McCarthy-Campbell took charge of the Welsh side at the beginning of October this year, after replacing manager James Thomas, who stepped down from the role after four months in charge.
Ones to watch:
Gwalia United forward Cori Williams-Mills is the clubs current top goal scorer so far this season, finding the back of the net six times in twelve appearances.
Cori also scored in the clubs previous FAWNL Plate Cup fixture against Tottenham Hotspur Academy which ended in a 4-3 victory to the Welsh side.
Last time these two sides met:
The London Bees last faced Gwalia United in the National League Southern Premier Division back on the 7th of January 2024, which ended with both teams sharing the points in a 2-2 draw at the Newport Stadium.
Dan McKimm and his side will be eager to build on the momentum from last Sunday’s victory as they head to Wales, aiming to secure another win and book their place in the quarter-finals of the FAWNL Plate Cup.