Royal Wootton Bassett Town suffered defeat in their opening South West Regional Women's Football League Premier Division fixture as Bristol Rovers came out on top in a ten-goal thriller.

Huge entertainment for a neutral fans in attendance, nine goals were scored in a crazy opening half of frenzied, attacking football before Rovers added a goal shortly after the restart to secure what proved to be a decisive two-goal advantage.

Despite defeat, there were certainly plenty of positives for Bassett to take from a hugely entertaining game - not least the strong display going forward. Defensively there is certainly some work to be done though - but the same can be said for Rovers after such a high scoring season opener.

Bassett found themselves in a commanding position early on as they deservedly took a 2-0 lead. Hannah Gulliver netted the first, getting to the ball just ahead of teammate Maddy Elliott and bundling in after Amber Egerton had struck the crossbar. Libby Davies then scored Bassett's second, as she turned her marker before producing an emphatic finish.

Rovers then responded with three goals in quick succession. Poppy Warren set up Georgia Vandries to halve the hosts' deficit before Zoe Fielden-Stewart grabbed a soft goal to pull her side level. Fielden-Stewart then beat the offside trap to race onto a through ball and make it 3-2.

Bassett regathered themselves though and levelled as Egerton fed Davies who notched her second of the match. But Rovers immediately restored their lead through Laura Curnock who headed in.

There was still time for two further goals before half time. Bassett were level again when Laura Jefferies' free kick fell to Egerton, whose shot was blocked but Davies swept in the rebound for her hat trick.

Parity didn't last long though as Vandries volleyed in to make it 5-4.

Vandries added her third shortly after the restart, tapping in after a dangerous cross into the box.

Though that goal suggested there was still more to come, it proved to be the final scoring of the match, with Bassett unable to muster a response after what had been an energy sapping opening half.

Credit: Stuart Smedley
Last modified on Monday 5th September 2022 at 15:06