AFC Bournemouth Women were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Torquay United on Sunday, as the Yellows progressed in the SSE Women’s FA Cup.

AFC Bournemouth started strongly, with Chloe Spencer seeing her long-range shot well saved by Bethany Marshall. 

But it was the hosts, who play a tier higher than the Cherries in the South West Women’s Premier League, who struck first, as Sian Chapman slotted the ball at the far post from Sarah Smith’s cross on 25 minutes.

Despite further first-half chances for the Cherries and striker Rosie Eden, the game was disrupted by a number of injuries for the visitors.

Abi Fletcher was the first forced into an early exit, after a challenge left the midfielder hobbling prior to the break.

And before long, Eden was then subject to a clash of heads and unable to return for the second half.

Nevertheless, following a re-organisation, the Cherries came out fighting and continued to pile pressure on the Gulls.

Substitute Aimee-Rose Collier came closest for the visitors, after firing over Chloe Tape’s cross from close-range, whilst the Cherries defence kept Torquay at bay throughout the half.

Despite the side failing to find a leveller, AFC Bournemouth manager Steve Davies was still delighted with the performance.

“Every player turned it up a gear,” he said, speaking to afcb.co.uk.

“We battled right until the end so I’m really proud of the players’ performances.”