Football / GFA Cup
Controversial goal overshadows first Bristol women’s football derby
Bristol Rovers manager Nathan Hallett-Young was left “livid” after the final whistle as his side was narrowly beaten 2-1 by Bristol City in the first ever game between the two teams.
Heads were scratched both in the home and away dugouts as City’s first goal went in after the linesman raised his flag for offside but the referee allowed play to continue.
“He’s killed the game, he’s ruined a competitive game of football by a decision that I don’t understand, that their bench doesn’t understand, that the linesman doesn’t understand,” said Hallett-Young, whose 1st XI were taking on a City under-21 side.
is needed now More than ever
“It got a bit spicy towards the end which was great for the neutrals… but we’re walking away with a loss which shouldn’t have been a loss.”
Bristol Rovers captain Rianne Bourne-Hallett – photo: Rob Browne
The historic game in the semi-final of the Gloucestershire County FA Women’s Senior Cup took place at Bristol Telephones FC.
More than 100 fans, friends and family members were in the stands in Stockwood on Sunday morning as they cheered on the two sides.
The game on Sunday morning was the very first between City and Rovers women’s teams
Speaking to Bristol24/7 after the match, City’s Erin Freeman said: “Feeling good, another final to get us to. Hard battle but we battled through it. It was a good game to watch.”
Rovers midfielder Jodie Exley called the result “frustrating” for the Gas Girls.
She said: “I think we worked hard but an unfortunate goal was given by the ref. I think we did well as a team.”
Bristol City were previously Bristol Academy who before that were Bristol Rovers, with Rovers’ women’s side reforming in 2019 – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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