FA Women’s National League | Sunday 16 August 2026 | 2:00pm KO | Memorial Stadium
The wait is finally over.
After weeks of preparation, hard work and anticipation, Bridgwater United Women are ready to begin their 2026/27 FA Women’s National League campaign as we make the short trip to the Memorial Stadium to face Bristol Rovers Women on Sunday afternoon.
And what a way to start.
The opening-day fixture brings together two sides who finished just three points apart in the FA WNL Division One South West last season, with United ending the campaign in third place on 46 points and Rovers finishing fourth.
That makes Sunday’s encounter an early test for Steve Perkins’ side – but also a hugely exciting opportunity.
A NEW SEASON. A NEW CHALLENGE.
United go into the new campaign with plenty of momentum following an impressive 2025/26 season.
A third-place finish, 46 points and a dramatic improvement in goal difference underlined the progress made by the team last season – but there is a clear determination within the group to go even better this time around.
The summer has seen further additions to the squad, joining the club as United continue to build a squad capable of competing at the top end of the division.
Now, the hard work of pre-season gives way to the real thing.
Three points are up for grabs.
THE OPPOSITION
Bristol Rovers will also be looking to start their campaign with a statement.
The Gas Girls have enjoyed a positive pre-season under Nathan Hallett-Young, including victories over Lye Town, Plymouth Argyle and, most recently, a 5-2 win against AEK-BOCO.
Rovers will be hoping that form carries into their opening league fixture, particularly with the backing of a home crowd at the Memorial Stadium.
United, meanwhile, will be looking to spoil the party.
ONES TO WATCH
There is plenty of attacking threat within the Rovers squad, with Anais Trinci, Bella Tweddle, Amelie Gould, Helena Costa and Lilia Dempsey all finding the net in their final pre-season victory.
United’s defence will therefore need to be at its best, while there will be an expectation for our attacking players to put the Rovers backline under pressure at the other end.
THE FIRST CHAPTER
Opening days are always different.
The league table is blank, points are yet to be won and every team starts with the same objective – to make a positive beginning.
For United, this is the first opportunity to show just how far this group has come.
A new season. New faces. New ambitions.
But the same belief.
With a strong travelling support expected, the team will be hoping to begin the campaign in style and bring three points back to Bridgwater.
BRISTOL ROVERS WOMEN VS BRIDGWATER UNITED WOMEN
📅 Sunday 16 August 2026
🕑 2:00pm kick-off
🏟️ Memorial Stadium
🏆 FA Women’s National League