Bristol Rovers began the new year on a high with a dramatic 3–2 victory over Bristol City Academy on Sunday. After falling behind early, Rovers refused to be beaten and completed a thrilling comeback with a stoppage-time winner.
The game began in wet and rainy conditions, with both sides starting strongly and creating chances at both ends. Solid defensive and midfield performances characterised the opening stages, while George Hunt was called into action early and looked sharp, making several important blocks. Despite Rovers’ resilience, the opposition eventually broke through, taking the lead just eight minutes into the match and leaving the Gas chasing from the outset.
Abbey Hateley impressed with her pace and work rate, battling shoulder-to-shoulder with defenders and driving the ball forward. Her persistence created promising opportunities, including a well-delivered cross to Chloe Snook on her Rovers debut. Snook was perfectly positioned in front of goal and close to drawing Rovers level, but her effort struck the crossbar, keeping the score at 1–0 while signalling the Gas’ intent to fight back.
Rovers came close again when Ruby Scahill unleashed a powerful effort that looked promising but drifted wide of the left post. However, persistence paid off for Scahill and, just before the half-hour mark, she brought Rovers level. From a Rovers corner and a headed assist by Laura Barrett, Scahill produced a stunning finish, smashing the ball into the back of the net to put the Gas firmly back in the contest.
The game continued at a high pace, with a chance falling to the relentless Chloe Bassett and Hunt remaining busy between the posts. She produced another vital save just minutes before half-time, collecting the ball to deny the opposition. However, as play moved beyond the 45-minute mark, the visitors struck again right before the whistle, restoring their lead and sending Rovers into the break 2–1 down.
The second half began with everything still to play for as both teams pushed for control. Hunt once again proved crucial, producing an outstanding save as she swept in to deny the opposition from extending their lead. Following a brief stoppage, Rovers made a triple substitution as Barrett, Ella Hilliard and Nia Rees made way for Charlotte Buxton, Kelly Highman and Maisy Collis in search of fresh energy.
The changes proved decisive, with Kelly Highman making an instant impact on her debut. Shortly after stepping onto the pitch, Highman drilled the ball into the corner of the net with a stunning finish to draw the Gas Girls level once again.
With the scores level, the game became a true battle, as both sides gave everything on the pitch. Rovers’ build-up play was particularly impressive, with Bassett still working tirelessly and continually searching for an opening. Buxton picked up Rovers’ only yellow card of the game, before another change saw Snook replaced by Amelie Gould as Rovers pushed for a late breakthrough.
As the game edged towards a draw, the Gas refused to give up, remaining persistent and consistent until the final moments. In the closing stages, chances fell to Hateley and Captain Layah Douglas, but neither could find the breakthrough. However, once again, the substitutions proved decisive, as Gould delivered in the most dramatic fashion, scoring a superb stoppage-time winner to secure a well-deserved victory for Bristol Rovers.
