Bristol Rovers WFC returned to Yate Town FC for another big challenge in a second top-of-the-table clash, this time against Moneyfields, hosting the visitors for their first meeting this season. After a tightly contested battle, Moneyfields edged the win, leaving the final score at 1-0.
As the game opened, both sides looked strong, but it was Moneyfields who came closest to an early opener within the first five minutes. Kiera Heslam’s effort was skillfully cleared off the line by the Gas Girls in an excellent defensive display. Just minutes later, the visitors threatened again, with a wide effort from their winger.
For Rovers, a standout moment came from Ella Pemberton, who battled hard for possession, driving forward and winning the ball. She found space in a dangerous area, but with no teammates available in front of goal, the opportunity could not be converted. Much of the early pressure came at the Rovers’ defensive end, but they remained resilient, blocking repeated Moneyfields attacks.
The Gas Girls began to show some excellent build-up play, and Maisy Collis took the initiative with a long-range effort. However, her strike lacked the power needed to trouble the keeper, and Moneyfields quickly regained possession. Later, Chloe Bassett came close to creating a real opportunity, attempting to square the ball to Annys Turner, but her pass was intercepted and cleared.
Another standout moment came from Abbey Hateley, who battled shoulder-to-shoulder with a Moneyfields player, edging ahead in the sprint. However, the visitors managed to recover their pace before she could carve out a clear chance.
As the game continued, the Gas Girls’ defence was put back to the test when Moneyfields were awarded a free-kick. Megan Fox struck it with power straight at George Hunt, who spilled the effort, but with no Moneyfields players close enough to capitalise, the ball was cleared by the Gas Girls, keeping the score level.
The game saw more good play from Pemberton to drive the ball up the pitch, and another strong effort from Turner in front of goal; however, the Gas Girls were repeatedly denied as every attempt was blocked. Unfortunately, the deadlock was eventually broken at the other end, as Moneyfields found the opener with a well-placed header from Shannon Aulbury.
The Gas Girls fought on, and after Charlotte Buxton took a knock to the head, Rovers were awarded a free-kick. They worked hard to build momentum, with some excellent combined play from Pemberton, Collis, and Turner. Eventually, Turner was fouled, giving Buxton another opportunity from a set piece. She delivered a superb, dipping effort that looked destined for the net, but the Moneyfields goalkeeper produced a strong save, catching the shot cleanly.
In the final five minutes of the half, Hunt produced an excellent save to deny Moneyfields, before reacting quickly again during a scramble in the box to keep the ball out. The visitors then fired another chance well over the bar. Moments later, after Ruby Scahill was fouled, Buxton stepped up to take another free-kick from just beyond the halfway line. Her delivery was met by a Moneyfields header, clearing the ball just before the whistle.
The Gas Girls entered the second half behind, but they restarted with real energy. Within the first two minutes, Buxton tried her luck with a close-range effort, but her strike flew over the bar. Laura Barrett then set the tone for what would become an excellent defensive half from her, combining well with Bassett to block the ball before Hunt stepped in with another important save.
As the action continued in the Moneyfields attacking third, Hunt performed well, making a strong save from a free-kick near the sideline, before punching the ball clear from the resulting corner.
Moneyfields continued to press, but an outstanding defensive header from Barrett sent the ball up the pitch. Rovers followed this with some excellent build-up play, and Bassett carried the ball forward with a promising run. Unfortunately, just as an opportunity was beginning to develop, the whistle was blown, bringing the move to an end.
Rovers’ first and only substitution saw Hateley replaced by Amelie Gould, who made an immediate impact. She drove forward brilliantly, taking the ball past four Moneyfields players in what looked like a promising attack, but unfortunately, the move fizzled out as she approached the box.
Barrett and Meg Jarvis, Rovers’ only goalscorer against Moneyfields last season, combined well, showing real skill and control on the ball. The strong build-up play continued, and it looked as though Bassett was about to make yet another impressive run, but the ball was unfortunately blocked.
The Gas Girls gave everything right to the final whistle, pushing hard to find an equaliser well into the closing minutes. Turner and Bassett both produced strong efforts, driving forward with determination, but despite their pressure, Rovers couldn’t quite break through, and the match ended with a Moneyfields win.
