AFC Bournemouth women cruised to a 5-0 win over Kent United in the second round of the National League Cup yesterday.

A double from Katie James, as well as goals from Alexis Bussell, Becki Bath and Betty Barron, secured the win at Verwood Town as the side maintained their unbeaten start to the season. 

The Cherries are yet to find out their opponents in the next round, but manager Steve Cuss admitted that he was delighted with the performance. 

Speaking to afcb.co.uk, he said: "It was a really good performance. We created lots of chances and took most of those chances, which was very pleasing. 

"I think the cup competitions are important. The early rounds are all about trying to get through and get a cup tie that's as big as you can. 

"We played a team at our own level but we didn't know much about them, so that was an interesting challenge. 

"The team worked really hard and I thought our training during the week paid off. The girls were determined to put some of the things we'd worked on into operation, so I was really pleased with the squad. 

"These cup matches provide a great opportunity for us to keep our run going." 

Cuss continued by discussing the side's unbeaten start to the season, which has seen them go eight without defeat as it stands. 

"It's really good at the moment - we're on a terrific run. 

"We've had two draws and six wins in a row, so I've been really pleased with that because we've scored lots of goals. 

"Also I'm really pleased that we didn't concede. It was another clean sheet yesterday and Sam [Chrippes] made a great save to keep us 2-0 up. Those little details are important because, if they'd scored then, it could've been a different game. 

"It was a really good save and the back four defended well in front of her. The whole team are defending well and we're particularly pleased with that area as well." 

With the side having scored 24 goals in just eight games, Cuss was also quick to praise the impact the defence have had since the side have stepped up into the fourth tier of women's football this season. 

"We knew that playing at the higher level that we are this year, our defence was going to be put under a lot more pressure. 

"We've put focus on not conceding too many goals, trying to keep clean sheets and generally just defending as well as we can. 

"It's an area we want to continue to work on and we know we're going to have some big challenges ahead with some tough matches. 

"In goal, Sam has made some crucial saves so far and she hasn't let a goal in since she signed in the summer. 

"We've made six clean sheets in a row and she's had five of those, so she's done well. 

"I'm really pleased with her, she's been a great addition."