AFC Bournemouth Women were defeated 2-1 by Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy at Ringwood Town FC.

A stunning goal from Katie Kingshott wasn’t enough to salvage a draw, after the Cherries found themselves two goals down.

The game started evenly, with both sides exchanging possession but it was the visitors who took an early lead.

A loose ball wasn’t cleared and fell to a Seagulls forward just outside the area, who hit a powerful shot to beat Steph Small from range.

As the half went on, Rosie Eden saw her opportunity to fire a shot at goal, but the Brighton ‘keeper was equal to the effort and claimed the ball well.

With the Cherries fired up for the second half, Steve Cuss’ side looked for an opening.

However, it was to be the Seagulls who struck next as they got in behind the back-line. With the striker one-on-one with substitute Katie Scadding, the ‘keeper brought her down in the box and the referee pointed straight to the spot.

Brighton made no mistake and duly converted the penalty, giving them a two-goal cushion going into the dying stages.

It wasn’t over just yet, however, with the hosts pushing forward and looking to reduce the deficit.

With five minutes to go, the ball fell to Kingshott 25-yards out, who hit a looping shot over the ‘keeper for her second goal of the pre-season campaign and giving the Cherries a lifeline.

Though, it wasn’t to be and the game finished 2-1 after a competitive showing from both sides.

After the game, manager Cuss spoke with afcb.co.uk about the performance.

“It was our last pre-season game and a really good contest against a good Brighton side,” he began.

“I thought we were good in patches, we defended well and created some good chances, which is pleasing at this stage of the season.  

“They obviously train full-time, they’re a young academy side with some really good individuals. I thought we dealt with their threats well and after the first 20 minutes we grew into it and got a firm footing in the game. We played forward, defended well and dealt with their counter attacks.”

And ahead of the first game of the season this weekend, Cuss spoke optimistically about the side’s progress.

“I can’t wait for it to start on Sunday now. We work hard through pre-season, it’s strange that the first one is an FA Cup game, but that’s the way it works.

“The squad have worked hard over the last eight weeks. We’ve played six games and the players have had a number of minutes each. We’ll be ready on Sunday and hopefully get off to a good start.”

The Women are next in action at Verwood Town FC this Sunday as their season gets underway with FA Cup action. Feniton Ladies are the visitors and it’s a 2pm kick-off, with entry completely free.