Football / Bristol Rovers Women
Maisy Collis scores on Gas debut as new season starts with win
A magnificent 30-yard strike from Maisy Collis on her debut was the difference between Bristol Rovers and Ascot United at the start of a new season in the National League South West.
Ascot more than held their own in their own debut in the National League, with Gas Girls keeper George Hunt making two outstanding saves to deny the Yellawomen an opening day goal.
For their part, Rovers created chances but never got into a rhythm, with manager Nathan Hallett-Young calling the 1-0 win a “battling performance”.
Gas Girls captain Rianne Bourne-Hallett battling for the ball again Ascot United at the Memorial Stadium – photo: Rob Browne
Hallett-Young praised his four debutantes – Collis, Abbey Hately, Ella Pemberton and Chloe Gilroy – with 23-year-old Collis signed from Cheltenham Town over the summer after having previously been on the books at Bristol City, making one WSL appearance.
“I don’t think you could ask for much better really,” Collis told Bristol24/7 after the final whistle.
“Three points is the main thing but I’m very happy to get on the scoresheet as well.
“I saw a bit of space, saw the keeper off her line and thought I’d give it a go.”
Collis said that she has been enjoying her time at Rovers so far: “The girls have been really welcoming, the staff have been really good, the facilities are amazing so I’m excited to see what the season holds.
“I’ve been to the Mem to watch a couple of games but this is the first time playing and the fans are really good as well.”
On her debut, Maisy Collis opens @Official_BRWFC’s account for the new season against Ascot at the Memorial Stadium pic.twitter.com/2RLtIvHYcW
— Martin Booth (@beardedjourno) August 17, 2025
Hallett-Young said: “It could have been better but ultimately on the first day we wanted to walk away with three points…
“I think across the board for all our new signings, it’s going to solidify their decision to join us… ultimately for Mais it’s great to get off the mark and hopefully it’s the start of our midfield chipping in with goals a bit more.”
He added: “It’s a marathon not a sprint. The main thing for us was to get off the mark, get us moving, get us going and then we can build.
“We finished the season really strong last year. It’s not about maintaining what we have achieved early on and keep building from there.”
Main photo: Rob Browne
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
