The Gas Girls started life in their new alternative venue at Yate Town FC, with a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth Sports on Sunday.
A third consecutive clean sheet once again underlined their defensive strength, while four goals at the other end showed an attacking threat that is beginning to click into place.
Despite the wet and rainy conditions, the game got underway with plenty of early energy. Rovers looked sharp, with fullback Abbey Hateley driving forward to create opportunities. She came close in the third minute, firing just over the bar, before the team continued to press and carve out further chances.
The game continued with the opposition's goalkeeper being tested, while the visitors also enjoyed moments of possession. In the 12th minute, the Gas Girls were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Maisy Collis stepped up confidently, and the opening-day star once again showed her quality with a well-placed ball, hitting the back of the net perfectly to claim her second goal of the season and give Rovers an early 1-0 lead.
The game continued with Rovers pushing forward, but Bournemouth’s defence and goalkeeper stood firm to deny their efforts. After winning a throw-in, Bournemouth Sports worked their way into the box, only for their attempts to be blocked by the Gas Girls before George Hunt pulled off a brilliant save to preserve her clean sheet.
Rovers quickly regained possession, and a long ball found Chloe Bassett, who played through to Erin Bloomfield, who calmly doubled the lead in the 29th minute. With momentum gained, Bloomfield continued to impress, working hard to retain possession and keep Rovers on the front foot.
Just before half-time, Bournemouth Sports were handed a chance to get on the scoresheet with a free kick. In the build-up, TJ Gauvain was sinbinned after disagreeing with the referee’s decision, yet ultimately, the ball was kicked out of play, ending the half with a goal kick and leaving Rovers 2-0 up at the break.
The second half began with good play from both sides, and in the 60th minute George Hunt pulled off another superb save to deny the visitors and keep Rovers in control after a formidable effort from their opponents.
Both teams soon turned to their benches. Bournemouth Sports replaced last week’s double goal-scorer Folkenstern with Jennings, while Rovers made a triple change over a short time period, withdrawing goal scorers Collis and Bloomfield alongside Annys Turner. Emily Bayliss, Ella Pemberton, and Meg Jarvis joined the game and for Rovers, the changes paid off almost instantly.
Just 10 minutes after coming on, Jarvis made her mark, finding the net to widen the gap and give Rovers a 3-0 lead. Bournemouth responded with another substitution as they searched for a way back into the game and they continued attempts to press forward.
Rovers earned a late corner, and from it came their fourth goal of the afternoon. Laura Barrett, who had tested the goalkeeper with a couple of efforts in the first half, finally found her moment. In the 87th minute she got on the end of a deflected shot and powered home a header to claim her first goal for the club and Rovers’ fourth of the match.
In the closing minutes, Bournemouth pushed hard for that final chance, but George Hunt produced yet another good save to keep them out. A very late corner offered them one final opportunity at a consolation goal, but the ball was headed clear before a left-footed volley sent the ball over the bar moments before the final whistle was blown.
With four goals, another three points secured, a third consecutive clean sheet, and their status preserved as the only team in the division yet to concede, this performance demonstrated the Gas Girls’ balance of defensive strength and growing attacking confidence. If they can maintain this momentum, it will serve them well as they push forward through the rest of the season.
