The Gas Girls returned to their alternative venue at Yate Town FC’s stadium to begin their Adobe Women's FA Cup journey in style, securing a stunning 6-1 victory over Marine Academy Plymouth. The win places them in a strong position to chase, and maybe even surpass, last season’s impressive run to the fourth round.
The game got underway with Rovers looking strong, full of energy, and playing some excellent football. Slick passing moves allowed them to carve through MAP’s defence and create early chances. In one of the first opportunities, a misplaced clearance from a MAP fullback rebounded off their own winger, giving Chloe Bassett a chance to strike, but her effort went wide.
More opportunities followed with great play from Layah Douglas and Maisy Collis, though Collis’ shot lacked power and was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper. While MAP enjoyed moments of possession, Douglas stayed alert in defence, tracking the ball closely to ensure it stayed away from the goal.
The rest of the backline also continued to impress, with Thierry-Jo Gauvain refusing to back down in physical battles and winning challenges in MAP’s attacking third. Annys Turner also showcased her pace and determination, sprinting down the line after Abbey Hateley launched a long ball forward, however the opponents did eventually find her to block an attempt.
MAP had a good opportunity to take the lead after being awarded a free kick, but George Hunt reacted well to make the save. Gauvain, Turner, and Hateley continued to combine effectively to push forward in search of a breakthrough, but the move was halted by the offside flag. Moments later, a long ball lands in between Douglas and Hunt, who clash together, gifting the ball to MAP‘s Lucy Solloway, who then capitalised on the mistake to tuck the ball home and give her team the lead.
The Gas Girls responded immediately, pressing for an equaliser. Turner did brilliantly to chase the ball down the wing and deliver a cross to Bassett, whose effort, unfortunately, flew over the bar. Rovers kept up the pressure and, on the 14th minute, a perfectly placed header from Guavain sent the ball into the attacking third, finding Meg Jarvis, who shot it over the keeper from just outside the box to bring the score level.
Rovers continued to impress at both ends, with Gauvain heavily involved in every attacking move. Jarvis took another shot, which was blocked, but Bassett reacted quickly, sprinting down the line to deliver a perfect cross for Turner, who met it with a close-range header to make it 2-1.
The play along the right wing was excellent throughout, with Bassett continuing to create chances and coming close to getting on the scoresheet several times, while Ella Pemberton worked hard in midfield to help make it happen. Play was halted after two MAP players went down and required attention, but both were fine and play resumed three minutes later. Shortly after, Bassett finally got her moment, breaking through on goal and calmly slotting home Rovers’ third.
The second half begins with the Gas Girls in good form, leading 3 - 1 and pressing hard. They dominated the early stages, creating several chances from wide positions. Jarvis forced a strong save from the MAP keeper, who later reacted quickly to clear as Turner closed in.
MAP had an opportunity after being awarded a free kick around 25 yards out, but Hunt made a superb save to preserve the Gas Girls advantage. Moments later, Turner makes another strong run down the line, battling shoulder to shoulder with a MAP defender. She doesn’t stop and her cross finds Jarvis, who fires the ball into the top corner for her second of the game, extending Rovers’ lead to 4 - 1.
After her goal, two assists, and an outstanding performance, Bassett was substituted for Amelie Gould. Shortly after, Laura Barrett and Ruby Scahill make way for Captain Rianne Bourne-Hallett and Charlotte Buxton. Following a brief pause in play with Pemberton down, Nia Rees comes on to replace her and, minutes later, takes a shot that unfortunately flies just over the bar.
Gauvain does well once again, driving the ball toward goal with a long-range effort to create a great opening. Jarvis is there to finish, but the linesman has his flag up, and the goal is ruled offside. Rees continues to make an impact, playing another good ball forward, but Rovers can’t quite find the finishing touch in front of goal. At the other end, Hunt makes yet another impressive save, stretching to palm the ball away.
Later on, Rovers kept up the pressure from a flurry of corners. The first saw a Jarvis shot deflected wide, but from the second, a scramble in the box allowed Gauvain to tap home from close range to score Rovers a fifth goal of the game.
In the final ten minutes, Rovers continue to show their attacking intent and defensive strength. Nia Rees produces several strong attempts on goal, while Douglas and Buxton stand firm at the back to deny MAP any way through. Then, in the final minute before the whistle, Rees provides the perfect ending as she slots the ball home to make it 6 - 1, confirming the Gas Girls' progression into the next round of the FA Cup.
