FGR Women fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat in their third pre-season game of the campaign, locking horns with Larkhall Ladies of the division above.

An inexperienced Rovers side, packed with players making their first step from Under 16s into the women’s game, started well, but fell behind after 35 minutes.

Georgia Vandries, who joined FGR from Bristol Rovers Women during the summer, pulled one back after the break before Charlotte Robbins struck the bar with three minutes to play.

The hosts launched a counter-attack and found the net to take the victory late on.

Impressed with how well his new-look team performed together, Head Coach Chris Hicks was full of praise at full time.

“That was a really positive performance, especially given that most of this team haven’t played together before” he said.

“The team gelled well from the first whistle and our younger players really stepped up thanks to the support from those more experienced in the side.

“There are so many positives to take. We created chances throughout the game and defended resolutely from front to back against higher opposition.

“Let’s get this season started.”

The schedules for the South West Regional Premier Division and FA Cup are still yet to be announced but will be published in due course.