Bridgwater United Women made a winning start to the new campaign at the MEM on Sunday, producing an impressive 3–0 away victory over Bristol Rovers WFC in front of a strong travelling support.

The visitors were made to work for their clean sheet, with goalkeeper Jasmine Read and the Bridgwater defence producing some important moments when called upon.

One of the key moments came on 37 minutes when Libby Gimson produced an excellent block to deny the hosts, before Jasmine Read followed up with a brilliant reaction save from close range to keep the score level.

Bridgwater would take advantage just three minutes later.

On 40 minutes, Manfy Sharpe rose highest to head home from an excellent Ellie Strippel corner, giving United a deserved lead heading into the interval.

The second half saw Bridgwater continue to apply pressure and, on 61 minutes, they doubled their advantage.

Good play down the left created the opportunity, with Aimee Kingdon getting across her defender to make a vital touch and guide the ball into the back of the net.

Just four minutes later, United added a third.

Another well-worked corner from Strippel caused problems in the Rovers box, with Abbey Hateley controlling the ball superbly before producing a composed volley into the back of the net to make it 3–0.

From there, Bridgwater managed the game well to see out a convincing opening-day victory and return to Somerset with all three points.

It was a disciplined and hard-working team performance, combining defensive resilience with quality in the final third, while the contribution from the travelling supporters helped create an excellent atmosphere at the MEM.

Three goals. A clean sheet. Three points.

A perfect start for Bridgwater United Women.

Bristol Rovers WFC 0–3 Bridgwater United Women

⚽ Sharpe 40′
⚽ Kingdon 61′
⚽ Hateley 65′

Starting XI: Read, Hateley, Gimson, Banfield, Sharpe (C), Jarvis, Owen, Strippel, Kretteis, Kingdon, Watkins

Subs: Carslake (for Kingdon 66 mins), Pemberton (for Watkins 66 mins), K Jones, Mullins, I Jones (for Kretteis 79 mins), Evans (for Jarvis 79 mins), Hill (for Strippel 72 mins)