Bristol Rovers Women wrapped up their first season in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West with a strong and confident showing, finishing fourth in the table with 43 points from 22 matches.
After a challenging start against eventual champions AFC Bournemouth, the Gas Girls responded in style, securing back-to-back wins and quickly finding their rhythm in a competitive league.
Across the season, Rovers netted 40 goals and conceded just 25, recording an impressive 10 clean sheets — one off the second-best defensive tallies in the division. Home performances were particularly strong, with standout victories over Southampton Women and Worthing, while a composed 2–0 win on the final day against Bournemouth Sports sealed a positive finish to the campaign.
In cup competitions, the team picked up a memorable FA Cup win away at Oxford United, before exiting to WSL side Aston Villa.
With a top-four finish in their first season at this level, Bristol Rovers Women have firmly established themselves in the National League — laying a solid foundation for continued growth and success in 2025/26.
April Roundup
Bristol Rovers Women enjoyed a superb April, going unbeaten with three consecutive wins as they mounted a late push for a top-three finish in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West. The month began with a 2–1 win over Portishead Town, ending a five-game losing streak and restoring confidence. Chloe Bassett’s second-half strike secured a 1–0 victory over Keynsham Town in a tightly contested match, followed by a memorable comeback at Worthing, where captain Rianne Bourne-Hallett scored two spectacular long-range goals to seal a 2–1 win.
The Gas Girls capped off their home campaign with a 2–0 win against Bournemouth Sports at the Memorial Stadium, with goals from Abi Todd and Emily Bayliss in front of a record home crowd. Despite their flawless April form, Rovers narrowly missed out on third place, finishing fourth after Swindon Town picked up vital points against title challengers Moneyfields.
Bristol Rovers 1-0 Keynsham Town
Bristol Rovers Women claimed a well-earned 1–0 win over Keynsham Town in a tightly contested fixture at Mangotsfield United Football Club. The result marked Rovers’ second consecutive victory, continuing their unbeaten run in April and keeping their push for a top-three finish alive.
From the first whistle, both sides competed with intensity, with Keynsham proving organised and hard to break down. The game saw few clear-cut chances in the first half, as midfield battles dominated the tempo. Rovers continued to probe after the break, showing greater attacking intent and growing into the match as the second half progressed.
The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Chloe Bassett found space and slotted home calmly after a well-worked build-up. Keynsham pushed for an equaliser, but Rovers’ back line stood firm. The final whistle secured a vital three points for Bristol Rovers Women in their chase for a strong finish to the season.
Worthing 1-2 Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers Women produced a battling performance on the road to come from behind and earn a dramatic 2–1 win over Worthing in their longest away trip of the season.
Worthing started brightly, hitting the bar early on before being awarded a penalty after George Hunt clipped Sophie Humphrey in the box. Hunt made amends with a brilliant save to deny Humphrey from the spot, but the Rebels took the lead shortly after when a defensive mix-up allowed Humphrey to score with a dipping volley.
Despite the setback, Rovers grew into the game and looked increasingly threatening as the first half wore on. Daisy Ackerman and Meg Jarvis both tested the Worthing keeper, and Rovers came close to levelling before the break.
After a strong spell of second-half pressure, captain Rianne Bourne-Hallett hauled her side level with an audacious long-range effort, catching the goalkeeper off her line from nearly 40 yards out. Ten minutes from time, Bourne-Hallett repeated the feat with another stunning strike from distance, her set-piece delivery sailing over the keeper and into the top corner.
Rovers held firm late on, with a goal-line clearance preserving the win, securing back-to-back away victories, and extending their unbeaten April run.
Bristol Rovers 2-0 Bournemouth Sports
Bristol Rovers Women rounded off their 2024/25 season in style with a commanding 2–0 victory over Bournemouth Sports at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In front of a supportive home crowd, the Gas Girls controlled proceedings from the outset, looking to extend their impressive end-of-season form. Despite their dominance in possession, it wasn’t until first-half stoppage time that they found the breakthrough. Abigail Todd struck at a crucial moment, calmly finishing to give Rovers a deserved lead heading into the break.
The visitors showed resilience in the second half but struggled to break through a disciplined Rovers defence. As the match wore on, Rovers’ pressure paid off again. Emily Bayliss secured the three points in the 85th minute with a composed finish, capping off a solid all-round performance from the hosts.
The win marked Rovers’ fourth consecutive league victory and ensured they ended the campaign on a high, finishing fourth in the Division One South West table with 43 points — just behind Swindon Town.
