AFC Bournemouth Women progressed to the third round of qualifying in the SSE Women’s FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Played at Verwood Town FC, a brace from Terri Harvey, as well as goals from Chloe Tape and Hannah Bennett, saw the side overcome Portishead Town Ladies 4-1.

The Cherries started strongly and looked for an early breakthrough, with Portishead Town ‘keeper Chloe Fensome making some excellent saves to deny Steve Davies’ side.

Up the other end of the pitch, it was home shot-stopper Katie Scadding that had to stay alert to keep out Portishead, who couldn’t make the most of their chances. 

However, the deadlock was broken just before the break, with Bennett latching onto a ball from the left, before controlling and smashing home for 1-0.

Yet, after the interval, it was to be Portishead Town who struck next. Shannon Holloway received the ball, cut inside and shot across Scadding for an excellent finish to level the scores.

And, with 62 minutes on the clock, the Cherries were dealt a blow, with Maisy Smith pulling up with a hamstring injury and forced to come off.

But, it wasn’t long before the Cherries had regained the lead, as Harvey netted her first of the afternoon from close range, poking home a cross from Tape who had received the ball from substitute Meg Vella.

The same three were to combine again as the hosts continued to pile on the pressure. Vella once again found Tape, who passed onto Harvey for her second of the game.

With the Cherries 3-1 up, there was still time for Tape to get in on the act after two assists already. Vella once again provided the outlet, before last year’s Player of the Season chested down and finished from the edge of the box.

Following the game, a delighted Steve Davies spoke with afcb.co.uk about the Cherries’ cup progress.

“I’m really pleased with the performance and result and it’s great to progress in the FA Cup,” he said.

The Women will now face Newhaven FC away from home in the SSE Women’s FA Cup, with the side just one win away from reaching the first round proper for the first time in history.