Oxford United cruise past Gwalia in FA Cup

Gwalia missed several chances in the first half as Oxford punished them ruthlessly in the second. [Josh Lewis Photography] Southern Premier Division leaders Oxford United booked their place in the third round of the Women's FA Cup by cruising past Gwalia United 4-0. Fourth-tier side Gwalia believed they could spring an upset at USW Sport Park but failed to take their chances in the first half. They paid the price as the gulf in quality ultimately told as Oxford extended their unbeaten start to the season. The hosts started brightly and Daisy Ackerman tested Bethany May-Wookey from long range, then a series of dangerous set-pieces put Oxford under pressure. Play was halted after 18 minutes when Oxford defenders Nicola Gibson and Isabelle Rowden suffered a clash of heads while attempting to clear the ball. Following a stoppage of around 10 minutes for concussion protocols, both players left the field. The interruption did little to affect Gwalia, who continued to create the better chances with Kylie Nolan and Manon Pearce denied by May-Wookey. But the visitors soon demonstrated why they are top of the division above Gwalia, with Sophie Quirk unsurprisingly at the centre of their best work. Quirk caused problems throughout and her cross created chaos in the penalty area for Ruby Sealey to tee up Emma Thompson for the opener. Gwalia almost responded before the break but Imogen Scourfield's header was brilliantly tipped over by May-Wookey, who has conceded just seven goals this season. Oxford looked a different team after the interval and carried a much greater threat. Their dominance was rewarded 20 minutes from time when leading scorer Holly Manders turned home Quirk's cross for her 19th goal of the season. Liam Gilbert's U's did not let up as Gwalia tired, with Ellie Mae-Richardson scoring from the edge of the box before Manders doubled her tally with a fine free-kick. Gwalia's day was summed up when substitute Bonnie Gready's goal was ruled out for offside, with the second half underlining the gap they must bridge if they are to realise their ambition of reaching Women's Super League 2 by 2030.