Bristol Rovers v A.F.C. Bournemouth
FA Women’s National League, The Memorial Stadium, Sunday 18 August 2024, 2:00pm KO.
Bristol Rovers' first 2024/25 match in the FA Women’s National League sees the Gas host A.F.C. Bournemouth.
Rovers come into Sunday’s campaign opener after a fruitful pre-season, winning two of their four outings, beating Welsh Treble winners Cardiff City 3-0, and Bitton Women 4-0 in a training closed-doors friendly.
The Gas decisively lost 4-2 to Briton Ferry and secured a 1-1 draw against Kidderminster Harriers.
After an 18-year absence, Bristol Rovers Women will once again form part of the Bristol Rovers family and fall under the management of the Club’s senior leadership team, led by Chairman Hussain AlSaeed.
Their first match at the Memorial Stadium kicks off the new ownership with every home game being played in BS7.
As for A.F.C. Bournemouth, the visitors finished their preparations and secured their first pre-season win with an 11-0 victory over Welsh team Penybont. They faced some difficult higher level opposition, losing to Ipswich Women 4-0, Portsmouth Women 4-2, and Exeter Women 3-1.
Read on for all you need to know about Sunday’s fixture…
Tickets…
Tickets are still available for Sunday’s season opener and can be purchased here! Adults from £4, Under 14s from £2.
To gain FREE entry, you will just need to scan your mens season card on the day!
For all of our home games, home fans can stand in the West Terrace and sit in any available seats in the West Stand, with away supporters able to sit in the Family Stand.
Seat reservations for other parts of the stadium will unfortunately not be valid.
On the day..
Depending on attendance, fans should expect your usual prematch favourites available.
Opposition…
Both teams have a similar journey: In 2022, Bill Foley acquired AFC Bournemouth's women's team, which was previously under the Community Sports Trust, much like the hosts' path.
The Cherries were unable to secure promotion from the FA Women’s National League Division One South West, despite having an undefeated season. They were defeated in a final-day decider by Exeter City with a 1-1 draw, missing out on the title.
AFC Bournemouth have been active in the transfer market, strengthening their attack with the signing of Jenna Markham. Markham played a significant role in the team's performance last season, notably scoring the equalizer in a crucial 1-1 draw on the final day of the season.
