Football / Bristol Rovers Women
Warren ends her final Gas game with a win
Cries of “shoot” came from the stands as Poppy Warren made regular runs down the left wing at the Memorial Stadium.
Sunday afternoon was Warren’s last game for Bristol Rovers Women, with the livewire defender ending her time at the club with a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Bournemouth Sports, with goals from Abi Todd and Emily Bayliss.
It guaranteed a highly respectable fourth place finish in the Gas’ first season in the National League.
is needed now More than ever
“This club has been everything to me,” said Warren, who was Rovers’ longest serving player, record appearance maker and the only remaining Gas Girl from when the club was reformed in 2019.
“It’s a big family here and the fact that we keep growing and developing every year is just a sign that we have every intention of getting better and that will continue.”
Warren, who is moving to Dubai, called the standing ovation she got from the crowd when she was subbed off in the last few minutes “unreal”.
After the final whistle, this was followed by a guard of honour from her teammates, showing in just how high a regard she is held.
“I’m just happy to be a part of it,” said Warren, who almost scored in the first half when her ball into the box bounced above the Bournemouth keeper and went just wide of the goal.
“To still be here after six years and to have this support from all these amazing people – my friends, my family, my team – has been amazing and I can’t thank them enough.”
Bristol Rovers beat Bournemouth 2-0 in their last home game of their debut season in the National League – photo: Rob Browne
Rovers manager Nathan Hallett-Young, who has also been with the team since it was reformed, called Warren “a true ambassador” for the club.
“She’s more than just a player. She’s someone who brings people together and weaves the inner fabric of our squad to what they are today.”
Hallett-Young said it has been a “great season”.
“We have guaranteed ourselves a top-four spot, we have pushed third all the way and we got to the fourth round of the FA Cup playing against internationals.
“I didn’t think I would be saying that to you at the start of the year.
“We have out a lot into this season. Our effort across the board had to be more. It’s been an emotionally taxing season but I’m really proud of the group that we have got.”
A crowd of 574 was Bristol Rovers Women’s highest home attendance of the season – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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