Statement win for Women in FA Cup
AFC Bournemouth
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AFC Bournemouth Women made it through to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup with a superb 3-1 victory over Southampton Women FC.
Gemma Hillier, Molly Clark and Abby Jones all got on the scoresheet in Hampshire this afternoon, as the Cherries came out on top against the National League outfit.
The game got off to a fast start, with the deadlock being broken just six minutes in.
Helen Corbin did well in the box, before laying it off to Hillier, the striker marking her birthday with a first-time finish into the top corner.
The lead was short-lived, however, with the hosts levelling things up just five minutes later.
The ball bobbled around the box, before Hannah Samuels capitalised, her shot giving Katie Scadding no chance in goal.
They almost doubled their tally moments later, as Sian Wylie cut inside and drove a fierce effort at goal, but it sailed wide and caused to trouble to the Bournemouth ‘keeper.
Up the other end of the pitch, Emma Davis’ shout almost put the visitors back ahead, as Bennett laid it back after a stunning cross-field ball from Clark.
Nevertheless, Steve Cuss’ side didn’t have long to wait for their second, as Corbin once again caused problems up top.
Her pace put Ellie Parker under pressure, before the clearance fell to Clark, who made no mistake after taking a touch and rifling a shot hole.
The chances kept on coming as the Cherries dominated possession.
First Corbin saw her shot deflected wide, before Clark tried her luck from range, the eventual effort going narrowly over the bar.
The pressure did pay off, as a surging run from right-back Jones was too much for the Southampton defence and Kellie Warren could only stop her with a foul in the box
With the referee pointing straight to the spot, it was Jones who stepped up and duly converting, finding the bottom left-hand corner just before the break.
As the second period got underway, Corbin almost got her goal from the off, stealing the ball after a defensive mistake at the back for Southampton and hitting her effort just wide.
Captain Hannah Bennett then tried to get in on the act after Hillier had picked her out in the box, but the shot from her overstretched leg was comfortable for the ‘keeper.
As the hosts looked to mount a comeback, Vella had a good from a free-kick 25 yards out, but the shot went high and wide, with Scadding remaining unmoved.
However, the shot-stopped was called into action moments later, producing a fine save from Warren’s close-range effort to keep the margin at two goals.
As the Cherries dug deep, they were presented with one more opportunity at the death, with only the crossbar preventing Clark’s free-kick from going in and adding a fourth.
Cuss’ side will now await their fate in tomorrow’s draw, with the third qualifying round scheduled to take place on Sunday 1st November.
AFC Bournemouth Women are proudly supported by two local companies.
Thank you to Bournemouth University for being the front of shirt sponsor and thank you to Vitality for supporting our Women's and Girls setup.