AFC Bournemouth Women got their 2018/19 season off to a flying start with a 6-1 win away to Ascot United.

Meg Vella netted a brace, whilst Jade Hockey, Hannah Bennett, Rosie Eden and Terri Harvey also got on the scoresheet.

With just one game played, the Cherries sit top of the Southern Region Women’s Premier League with three points and a goal difference of five to the good.

Steve Davies’ side got off to a flying start, with Vella netting the opener just 13 minutes in… free kick, left side of box, indirect, vella shot keeper touched it

However, the hosts pulled one back just before the half-hour mark, with summer signing Annie Ackroyd shooting across ‘keeper Kate Guthrie and finding the net.

But, Ascot’s lead was short-lived and Hockey had fired the Cherries back in front just two minutes later, turning the defender and hitting an unstoppable shot into the corner.

And Davies’ side soon found another gear, with Bennett getting in on the act moments after, before Eden rounded off the half with a fine goal a minute before the break.

With the Cherries resuming play 4-1 up, the fifth was added just three minutes into the half. Harvey bagged her first of the season having just come off the bench, hitting home the rebound from a Maisy Smith shot.

And the visitors rounded off a fine afternoon as Vella bagged her second, converting a penalty after Smith was fouled in the area.

Following the game, manager Davies spoke to afcb.co.uk about the performance.

“It was a really good start to the league campaign,” he said.

“The performance was good and we are delighted with the three points.”

The Women are next in action on Sunday, with Warsash Wasps the visitors to Bisterne in the Southern Region Women’s Premier League.