AFC Bournemouth Women continued their fine pre-season form over the weekend, beating Sherborne Ladies 5-1 away from home.

A double from Rosie Eden, as well as goals from Katie Kingshott, Lexi Tryon and Meg Vella saw the Cherries come away with the win in their penultimate pre-season test.

Steve Cuss’ side made a breakthrough midway through the opening half as the ball fell to Kingshott following a corner, the midfielder striking from outside the area in an effort that flew into the back of the net.

Shortly after, the lead was doubled, with Rosie Eden working hard on the wing and beating her player, before forging a shooting opportunity and slotting home.

Before the break, the Cherries had a third. A corner was swung in and, with the ball bobbling in the box, Tryon was first to react and fire past the Sherborne ‘keeper from close range.

As the second half began, the hosts pulled a goal back, converting directly from a corner kick and giving ‘keeper Steph Small little chance.

However, Cuss’ side soon had a fourth and Eden her second of the afternoon. Substitute Erin Thickett floated a lovely ball into the box from the right, with the onrushing Eden getting a touch at the back post to increase the scoreline.

As conditions got trickier with hail falling heavily, it didn’t deter the Cherries, who soon netted a fifth. Vella picked the ball up from the middle of the park, beat her player and slotted home a low shot from the edge of the box to round off the afternoon.

After the game, manager Cuss spoke with afcb.co.uk about the result, with the new season edging ever closer.   

“I’m pleased with game. We’re two weeks away from the start of the season now, so these fixtures are important,” he said.

“I think we started slowly in terms of creating opportunities, but we really grew into the game. It was a fine balance between keeping possession and stopping the opposition.

“We scored five goals and it was good to share them around. They came from all areas of the pitch, which was pleasing.  

“The conditions were tough and I think we had all four seasons within 90 minutes, so it was difficult to get the ball down and play, but we did that and created our chances.”