There was no hiding the delight at the 2-1 victory!

FGR starting lineup against Bristol Rovers

Left to Right – Alisha Lowry, Rhian Robbins, Chantelle Scott, Tori Taylor (goal 1), Sally Butterfield, Carys Lowley, Estelle Randall, Hannah Thompson, Jenny Gray. Katie Thatcher (GK), Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham (goal 2).

It has been a bit of a wait for a home victory at The New Lawn, but we have one at last!

FGR Women went into their match on Sunday 24th Sep, 3 points behind league leaders, Bristol Rovers.   It is only the 4th match of an 18-game season for the women, so it couldn’t be described as season-defining.  However, Bristol Rovers and FGR are looking like 2 of the best candidates for the single automatic promotion spot, so a loss could have severely dented their chances.

It was an energy-sapping hard-fought game from start to finish.  Midway through the 1st half Rhian Robbins powered a shot that the Gas keeper could only parry.  Tori Taylor was there to put home the rebound and FGR went to the break one goal up.

Moments into the 2nd half, Georgie-Marie Barbour-Gresham went for goal from a free kick from some 30 yards out.  Even attempting the strike looked speculative, but it was quite a hit, and sailed past the wall and the diving goalkeeper and into the top corner.  2-0 to FGR.  The 2 goal lead lasted only minutes.  5 minutes into the second half, Bristol Rovers tried a similar long-range free kick which dipped just beyond the fingertips of the FGR keeper, Katie Thatcher.

2-1 turned out to be the final score, but not before FGR had had to defend resolutely.  FGR had been much the better side in the first half but, as the hard pressing and the blocking and the chasing began to catch up with the home team, the second half was probably shaded by the Gas.

Most of the crowd of 338 were ecstatic when the final whistle blew and it was clear the team were delighted with their effort.  There are now 4 teams with 3 wins out of 4 at the top of the league, separated only by goal difference.  All to play for!