Battling Yellawomen lose 1-0 at Bristol Rovers

Ascot United Women succumbed to a wonder goal in an opening day defeat against Bristol Rovers Women on Sunday. Andy Cox’s side had their chances in an impressive debut at National League level, but just couldn’t find their way past a resolute home defence who won it via a 75th minute long range strike.

Big day out for Andy Cox’s side

In their first National League South West Division outing, The Yellawomen found themselves walking out on the big stage at the 12,600 capacity Memorial Ground. And, their 30-or-so travelling supporters in the upper left tribune would proudly applaud their side both walking onto, and off, the pitch.

Yellas start well before hosts come into it

Ascot were good value early-on and should have taken the lead in the third minute with the best chance of the half. Kate Fox drove forwards and threaded through for Molly Gladwell, and after seeing her initial shot saved by home ‘keeper George Hunt, she somehow dragged the loose ball wide of an open goal.

There were anxious moments at the other end just two minutes later when Meg Jarvis’s hooked volley found the top of the net after hesitancy in the visitors’ defence, and they were indebted to defender Darcey Maxted on the half-hour mark when her brilliant challenge denied Jarvis again as The Gas overturned possession in midfield and Erin Huntley was left out of position.

Jarvis came within inches of scoring in the 36th minute – another lobbed effort that drifted agonisingly wide – after she had nipped in between Huntley and ‘keeper Cherry Preisner.

Huntley’s brilliant block on Jarvis then snuffed out another foray forwards from Rovers, before TJ Gauvain headed over from Chloe Gilroy’s 44th minute free kick with Preisner stretched.

But despite being outscored on chances created, the Yellawomen maintained their clean sheet heading into the break; the question was could they find a way to unpick an organized home defence in the second half.

Entertaining second half sees worldie winner for Rovers

Ascot made two early changes – one injury enforced – but would hold their own for most of the half.

Stand-out visiting player Katelyn Wort and Preisner bravely combined to deny Jarvis when racing clear just before the hour mark – Wort would take a clattering to the head – but Ascot survived again.

Preisner then got down low to save with her feet amongst a crowd of players as the home side knocked on the door, but it took a long range screamer from Maisie Collis to beat her as Rovers took a 75th minute lead.

But home ‘keeper Hunt would take the plaudits for a quite sensational 77th minute save to ensure her side ultimately took three points. Poppy Dearlove escaped down the left for Ascot and swung in a cross for Portuguese substitute Dani Dias – Dias met it with a first-time volley in the six-yard box – but Hunt somehow reacted quickly enough to dive low to her own right and get a hand on the ball to turn it away.

That was as close as the visitors came against a Rovers side who ultimately ran down the clock, but Cox’s side can be proud.

As were the travelling fans.

What’s next for Ascot?

The Yellawomen entertain Moneyfields Women on Tuesday evening in the league cup group phase before playing them again next Sunday in a home league game; the latter to be played at Ashford Town (Middx)’s stadium due to The Racecourse being unavailable.

Ascot United: Preisner, Curr (Machado 80’), Cox, Huntley, Wort, Maxted, Dearlove, Fox, Harney (Dias 46’), Delaney (Luscombe 80’), Gladwell (Balaam 49’). Subs unused: Ayres, Rowntree, Carter

Entertainment: 4

Reporter’s Star Player: Katelyn Wort (Ascot United)

Attendance (estimate): 350 (30 away)