AFC Bournemouth Women battled well, but were defeated at the hands of former Super League side Yeovil Town in their latest friendly.

A trialist opened the scoring for the Glovers, netting into the top corner with a well placed free-kick, giving Cherries ‘keeper Steph Small little chance.

Steve Cuss’ side nearly found an opening back into the game, as Rosie Eden did well on the wing to beat her player and cross in for Becky Miles, who saw her effort blocked yards out.

Yeovil, however, soon had a second before the break, Sarah Wiltshire cutting in from the left and firing a shot home from outside the area.

Following the break, the Cherries worked hard but couldn’t find the target, Erin Thickett having the best chance to convert from a corner as the ball bobbled in the box.

The game ended at a wet Dorchester Town, with the hosts running out 2-0 winners, but Cuss remained pleased with his side’s performance.

“Obviously, it was a good workout against good opposition,” he told afcb.co.uk.

“I’m really pleased overall. We defended well and had to stop goals going in and at times we had some chances. Better use of the ball could’ve created a couple more too.  

“What I wanted was to give us a defensive test and challenge us on the ball. We knew we’d be up against it but we worked hard, kept good shape and tried to play when we had the ball, so it was a good night all round.

“I think it’s always good to build up fitness for part-time players. That’s what we’re trying to do and a lot of players got 45/60/70 minutes tonight so we’ve built that up.

“I can’t wait for the season to start now and we’ve got two more friendlies to gear up for it.”