Football / Bristol Rovers Women
Gas Girls lift league cup
Bristol Rovers Women missed out on promotion this season by just one point but they continued their record of one piece of silverware per year by lifting the South West Regional Premier League Cup.
The Gas Girls’ 4-0 win against Bishops Lydeard came courtesy of two goals from Zoe Fielden-Stewart and one each from Georgia Vandries and Laura Curnock.
The village of Milborne St Andrew in Dorset was the venue for the cup final, with the Bristol Rovers Community Trust arranging a coach from the Memorial Ground on Sunday for fans to watch the match, with the return journey soundtracked by karaoke by the victorious players and staff.
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Captain Libby Bell twice hit the crossbar, once in the first half and once in the second half, with Poppy Warren making a typical nuisance of herself down the left flank.
The Gas Girls kept a clean sheet thanks to a superb save from Betty Platt, who started the game as a substitute but came off the bench with just a few minutes to go to prevent Bishops Lydeard from getting on the scoresheet.
Speaking to Bristol24/7 after the match, Gas Girls co-founder and first team manager, Girls Nathan Hallett-Young, said that “this is the silverware that we deserved across the season”.
“The girls have been tremendous,” he said. “The demands and standards are so high across the board. It’s tough to live up to expectations but this has been a brilliant way to round off the season.”
Hallett-Young added: “I just want to say a massive congratulations to the team and the staff. They put in countless hours, they put up with everything that I ask them to do.
“Without the volunteers to do what they’re doing, this isn’t possible so it’s a massive thank you to them and everyone who supports us.”
The victorious Gas Girls squad – photo: Martin Booth
Fielden-Stewart said that lifting the cup was a “special day”.
She said: “We wanted to come into this league and show that we’re contending for the top spot. It’s hard when you come in not knowing what to expect.
“We were freshly promoted into this league and I think we have done amazing. I’m so proud for everyone.
“I love scoring but it’s a team sport and everyone has played their part. I have had a great time playing with all the girls.”
Libby Bell lifts the league cup wrapped in a Rovers flag – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo & video: Martin Booth
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