Bristol United FC 1st travelled to BRISTOL ROVERS SUPPORTERS JFC (SOUTHEY PLAYING FIELD) #1 on 13 September 2025 for a 2:00pm kick-off in a league away fixture against Made For Ever Reserves. The 11-a-side clash ended in a thrilling 5-2 victory for Bristol United after they overturned a two-goal deficit to secure all three points.
Bristol United lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking flair. Harvey Parsons took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, with a back four comprising Mike Gilborson at right back, James Rayner and Sam Morgan as central defenders, and Jack Gilborson operating on the left. The midfield trio featured Ben Jeffrey on the right, Calum Rowan centrally, and Joe Gardner on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the front line. Up front, the attacking trio consisted of Ty Chev on the right wing, Billy Gilborson leading the line as striker, and Tom Blake on the left, expected to provide width and goal threat. On the bench, Devon Walsh and Kwasi Tuffour awaited their chance to influence proceedings.
The match began with Made For Ever Reserves asserting themselves, and their early pressure paid dividends in the 30th minute when they found the net to take a 1-0 lead. Bristol United struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, and despite efforts to respond, the half-time whistle arrived with the visitors trailing.
Shockingly, Made For Ever Reserves doubled their advantage immediately after the break, scoring in the 46th minute to make it 2-0. This seemed to put Bristol United on the back foot, but the response was swift and emphatic.
Just four minutes later, Tom Blake sparked the revival, converting a precise assist from Joe Gardner to halve the deficit. This goal injected belief into the Bristol United ranks and shifted the momentum. The tactical substitution at 59 minutes saw Devon Walsh replace Ben Jeffrey on the right midfield, adding fresh legs and energy to the side.
Almost immediately after coming on, Walsh played a key role in the next goal. Tom Blake, now fully involved, provided the assist for Ty Chev to score in the same minute, bringing the scoreline to 2-2. However, the right forward’s involvement was short-lived as he was substituted off two minutes later for Kwasi Tuffour, signalling a tactical tweak.
Bristol United’s resurgence continued in the 68th minute when Tom Blake scored his second of the afternoon, this time assisted by a long pass from the lively Devon Walsh. This goal put Bristol United ahead for the first time in the match and demonstrated their attacking potency.
The visitors extended their lead further in the 78th minute through Calum Rowan, who capitalised on a well-crafted assist from Joe Gardner. Rowan’s contribution was not finished there, as he doubled his tally six minutes later, scoring again to make it 5-2 and effectively sealing the victory.
Bristol United’s comeback was a testament to their resilience and tactical adaptability, with Tom Blake standing out as the player of the match for his two goals and crucial assists. The midfield partnership of Joe Gardner and Calum Rowan also proved vital in turning the game around, while the defensive unit held firm after the early setbacks.
This result will boost Bristol United’s confidence as they continue their league campaign, having demonstrated an impressive ability to respond under pressure and execute their game plan effectively on the road.
