A second-half bullet header from Laura Barrett proved decisive as the Gas Girls secured all three points in an evenly contested matchup with Abingdon United.
Before the game started, a minute’s silence was held on the referee’s whistle in memory of Matt Beard, following his sad passing, with both teams and supporters paying their respects.
The opening 45 minutes offered few clear-cut chances, with both teams performing well and standing firm defensively. Rovers enjoyed moments of pressure, forcing several corners and throw-ins as they pushed forward, while the newest addition and debutant Ruby Scahill worked hard to regain possession in midfield.
The Gas Girls created opportunities through Annys Turner and Abbey Hately, but all their efforts were denied by the Abingdon goalkeeper. At the other end, defender Thierry-Jo Gauvain stood out, making a crucial intervention in the 38th minute, tracking down an Abingdon forward who had broken through on goal and cleared the ball from danger.
Just before half-time, the Gas Girls were close to breaking the deadlock when Ruby Scahill’s strike found the back of the net. However, the referee’s whistle had already gone for a head injury to Laura Barrett in the build-up, ruling out what would have been an excellent finish and ensuring the score remained even going into the break.
With the second half underway, Abingdon’s Molly Lygo created an early chance, but her strike was easily denied by George Hunt. At the other end, Rovers pressed forward as Meg Jarvis came close with a shot that drifted just wide, followed by further efforts from Abbey Hateley. Opening-day scorer Maisy Collis was also in the thick of the action, first sending a strike over the bar before seeing another effort from the edge of the box deflected behind for a corner.
Rovers made their first substitution as Ruby Schill, after an impressive performance, made way for Charlotte Buxton. Both sides continued to carve out chances, but it was the Gas Girls who finally found a late breakthrough.
In the 78th minute, Buxton's free kick from the right-hand side was met by the head of Laura Barrett, who powered her effort into the back of the net. The goal marked her third of the season and gave Rovers a crucial lead.
Barrett was then replaced by Mills Bellotti, who came on for the final minutes in what was her last appearance for the Gas Girls before leaving for university.
In the closing stages, Abingdon pushed for an equaliser, winning a corner, but Chloe Bassett cleared by quickly carrying the ball down the other end. She later tried her luck from distance in an effort to double the lead, but the Abingdon goalkeeper denied her with a strong save.
At full-time, despite eight places separating the two sides in the league table, the game was decided by fine margins. Ultimately, the Gas Girls came out on top, securing the win, three valuable points, and a fifth consecutive clean sheet in the league.
