AFC Bournemouth reached the summit of the table after securing a close-run 2-1 win over Abingdon United Lades on Sunday.

Goals from Meg Vella and Hannah Bennett gave the home side control at Verwood before a late Abingdon strike set up a nervy finale.

The first chance of the contest came early in the match when a corner was swung in by Bennett, the ball falling to Terri Harvey on the penalty spot though she could only blazed over.

The deadlock was broken on 28 minutes, thanks in no small part to Maisy Smith's forward drive. She crossed it from the right and Vella was at the back post to convert from close range.

Abingdon started to build momentum and hit the post with a deep cross in from the right, with Cherries 'keeper Steph Small there to gather the rebound and avert the danger.

Continuous pressure from the visitors saw them then head over just before the break after a good ball was put in from the left.

Early in the second half, Vella had a great chance to make it two after Rebecca Miles’ ball found her in the box, but her shot went just wide.

The Cherries then got a second. Some good work from Erin Thickett on the right saw the ball eventually fall to Bennett in the box, who took a touch and then fired home.

Vella then forced a good save from the visiting 'keeper as she went in one-on-one on the goalkeeper.

The chances kept coming and Bennett nearly had her second and her side’s third, but she then shot over from inside the area.

Abingdon did register on the scoreboard when Molly Lygo struck a long-range shot which hit the post and went in to make for a nervy last five minutes.

However, the Cherries held out to go top of the league and make it five wins from five - three in league and two in cup - this season.