Football / Bristol Rovers Women
Rovers’ rude awakening to National League
Bristol Rovers Women have been accustomed to one-sided scorelines during their inexorable climb up the women’s football pyramid over the last few years.
But this 5-0 was a defeat and a rude awakening indeed to the National League for the Gas Girls.
Jenna Markham scored a hattrick for AFC Bournemouth, who are likely to be the toughest test of the season for Rovers and are now the benchmark for the level they will have to reach in order to compete in the fourth tier.
is needed now More than ever
Despite the result, it was a historic occasion at the Memorial Stadium on Sunday afternoon watched by 317 fans
A new-look Rovers side still getting used to their new teammates following numerous signings over the summer were not outclassed either against a team who were undefeated last season in the Women’s National League Division One South West but missed out on promotion by just one point.
Among the numerous debutants, Daisy Ackerman looked particularly adept in attack, first half substitute Chloe Bassett injected a bit more dynamism in midfield and Charlotte Buxton remained strong in defence.
Annys Turner also made a welcome return to the blue and white quarters, tearing up the right flank and earning the only yellow card of the game for a late challenge on Bournemouth keeper Daniela Kosinka, who barely had to make a save while on the pitch.
Rovers manager Nathan Hallett-Young told Bristol24/7 that it had been “a tough day at the office”.
“For us now, it’s a big question of how we move forward,” Hallett-Young said.
“There’s some stuff that I’m happy with. There’s some stuff that obviously I’m not, I don’t want to concede five goals. I don’t think any of the players want to concede five goals.
“But you saw the level straight away is I think the best way to put it. Fair play to them. Missing out last year, it hurts. We’ve been there. We understand that…
“For us, it’s a steep learning curve but one that we’ll relish.”
Hallett-Young added: “There were some really good performances. The side is newly formed so it will take a bit of time.
“We had a few attacking moments but the difference in the level is as simple as they took their chances and we didn’t…
“They were a bit more ruthless than we were. If we learn from that and start taking our chances early, I think we will be in an okay place…
“The girls have been working hard on the training ground but now, we’ve got to step to that next level. We’ve got to pick up, we’ve got to push forward and we’ve got to find another gear.
“As soon as we’re able to do that, then great. Hopefully going into next weekend, we can get something out of it, get some points on the board and move forward from there.”
Main photo: Bristol Rovers
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