GWALIA United start a new era on the road on Sunday when they face Billericay Town in their Southern Premier Division opener (kick-off 2pm).

The club, who play their home games at Newport's Spytty Park, will play their first fixture since changing name from Cardiff City Ladies.

The squad head to Essex aiming to improve on last season’s 3-3 draw and travel with a near full-strength squad, new signing Lauren Davies the only unavailable player.

Boss Fern Burrage-Male said: “We’ve worked hard to strengthen the squad over the summer, and the players have shown tremendous attitude and application.

“These are the kinds of challenges a manager enjoys—selecting from a group of players all eager to contribute.

“We’ll confidently approach the game, but we know the importance of meticulous preparation. We aim to execute our game plan effectively and yield a positive result.”

Gwalia are looking up after finishing eighth in the 12-team league last season with owner Julian Jenkins making no secret of the long-term target of playing in the Women’s Super League.

Thierry-Jo Gauvain is relishing the return of competitive football.

“Pre-season has been long, and the team is eager to get started. Although it’s a long journey, we’re preparing thoroughly to give ourselves the best chance of success.

“This year, we aim to build on last season’s progress and feel stronger and fitter than ever.”

Gwalia United play their home opener a week on Sunday when they face newly-promoted AFC Wimbledon in Newport.

Sunday's Southern Premier Division fixtures: AFC Wimbledon v Lewes, Billericay Town v Gwalia United, Cheltenham v Plymouth, Exeter v MK Dons, Hastag United v Watford, Oxford United v Ipswich.

Gwalia United squad: 1 Laura O’Sullivan (GK), 2 Libby Piggott, 3 Tia Asker, 4 Emily Poole, 5 Ellie Lake, 6 Elena Cole, 7 Ellie Sargent, 8 Chloe Lloyd, 11 Jessie Taylor, 12 Cori Williams-Mills, 14 Lauren Davies, 15 Shurima Vine, 17 Isobel Newns, 18 Caitlin Williams, 19 Thierry-Jo Gauvain, 21 Ruby Scahill, 23 Cerys Jones, 25 Keira O’Keefe, 26 Maisie Miller, 27 Kylie Nolan, 28 Casi Gregson, 31 Yasmin Davies (GK).