Rovers made the trip to Cheltenham and delivered a superb performance, securing a stunning 3-1 victory to book their place in the next round of the Gloucestershire FA County Cup.
The game got underway with the Gas Girls looking sharp against their Tier 3 opponents, showing attacking intent and high energy from the first whistle. Rovers dominated the early stages, pressing hard and moving the ball confidently through midfield.
While the hosts threatened with a dangerous cross into the box, they failed to turn it into a clear-cut opportunity. At the other end, Chloe Bassett drove down the wing and delivered a dangerous cross to Chloe Snook, who brought it down well and struck towards goal, only to see her effort drift just high and wide of the right post.
The breakthrough soon arrived. A superb corner from Bassett was met by Ella Hilliard, whose close-range header found the back of the net to earn Gas a deserved early lead. The hosts attempted to respond, with Bella Hall coming close from inside the box, but the Rovers defence stood firm. Laura Barrett produced a brilliant goal-line clearance to preserve the advantage.
The Gas Girls continued to create chances. Layah Douglas sent a free kick forward from the halfway line, but it was comfortably gathered by the opposing keeper. Another dangerous Bassett corner caused action in the box, though Snook’s effort sailed just over the bar. Nia Rees also tested the goalkeeper, but her strike lacked power and was easily collected.
Defensively, Rovers remained strong, with opposition efforts either blocked or gathered safely by the keeper. Maisy Collis delivered a standout performance, battling tirelessly to regain possession and prevent an equaliser for the hosts.
Persistence eventually paid off for Snook, who deservedly found herself on the scoresheet with a superb long-range strike, curling an unstoppable effort into the top right corner to give the Gas a comfortable 2–0 lead.
Cheltenham Town responded with a change after a break in play saw Issy Newns forced off following a knock. Mary Brittain entered the action as the hosts looked to reduce the deficit before the interval. Charlotte Buxton delivered a superb cross into the box, but the resulting header drifted over the bar. Despite their efforts, the opposition struggled to find a decisive touch, with the Gas defence remaining composed.
As the first half ended, defensive resilience proved to be a real strength for Rovers. They worked hard to protect their advantage, putting in an excellent collective display at the back and going into the break firmly in control at 2–0.
The second half got underway in poor, rainy conditions, but the Gas showed the same determination as before. George Hunt produced a massive save to deny the opposition early on. Snook and Abbey Hateley combined well in attack, with Hateley driving towards goal, only for the keeper to gather.
Further standout defensive performances followed, with Annys Turner working hard to stop any developing chances. Rovers made their first substitution, replacing Bassett after an impressive performance and introducing Amelie Gould. Hunt was called into action again soon after, making another crucial save to block a powerful strike and preserve the lead.
Two more substitutions followed in quick succession, with Nia Rees and Laura Barrett making way for Ruby Scahill and TJ Gauvain. However, in the 84th minute, the hosts managed to pull one back when Charlotte Salisbury-Williams converted a low cross to make it 2–1.
Despite the late pressure, the Gas defence held firm, with Hilliard and Hunt playing crucial roles in preventing an equaliser. Then, in added time, Snook cut back in clinical style and fired into the net, securing her second of the game and sealing a brilliant and well-deserved 3–1 cup victory for Rovers.
