Bristol Rovers Women produced a stunning performance in the Third Round of the FA Cup to defeat higher-league opposition Oxford United Women 3-2 at the MGroup Stadium on Sunday, securing a place in the Fourth Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history!
The Pirates now look forward to a dream tie against **Women’s Super League** side Aston Villa at Villa Park, on the 12th of January.
The Gas made their intentions clear early on, with forward Meg Jarvis testing Oxford’s goalkeeper Paris Sercombe with an audacious effort from 25 yards. Although her shot drifted wide, it set the tone for Rovers’ fearless approach.
Jarvis’s persistence paid off on the half-hour mark when she unleashed a looping shot from range that caught Sercombe off guard, giving Rovers a well-earned lead.
Oxford struck back showing their level, equalising just before halftime through Phoebie Poole, who capitalised on a fortunate rebound. Moments after the break, Poole again found the net with a header to put the home side ahead.
Despite the setback, Rovers refused to back down, and it was former Oxford player Daisy Ackerman who proved to be the difference-maker.
Her first goal came in the 62nd minute, a cross from the left that swung over Sercombe, hit the bar, and deflected in off the Oxford keeper. Just four minutes later, Ackerman struck again with a near-identical effort, this time without the need for the woodwork.
With Rovers leading 3-2, Oxford poured forward in search of an equaliser, but the Gas defence held firm. Goalkeeper George Hunt made crucial saves, while the entire backline showed determination to thwart wave after wave of Oxford attacks. Even when Oxford’s Cecily Wellesley-Smith and Poole found chances, they were unable to break through.
When the final whistle blew, it marked a historic moment for Bristol Rovers Women, whose incredible team effort had secured a memorable cup-set. The Pirates now prepare for an exciting Fourth Round clash with Aston Villa, as their FA Cup adventure continues.