AFC Bournemouth Women secured their first win of the season in style, with a 4-0 victory over Southampton yesterday evening.

Becki Bath bagged her first two goals for the club, while there were also strikes from Molly Clark and Maisy Smith.

Steve Cuss named a strong side, with the likes of Betty Barron, Katie James, Clark and Bath all possessing National League experience.

The Cherries got off to a flying start, as Bath opened the scoring within ten minutes. She picked up the ball in the middle of the park, slalomed through the midfield and fired home from 25 yards.

It wasn’t long before the lead was doubled, as Clark capitalised on a goalkeeper mistake.

Ellie Parker, who was starting between the sticks for the visitors, came rushing out to clear the ball, but was beaten by Bournemouth’s number ten, who converted superbly into the open goal from just outside the area.

The goals just kept getting better and better and, before the break, Bath scored what was possibly the goal of the game.

Standing over a dead ball just ten yards from the halfway line, she launched it long and deep, only to see it dip into the top corner moments later.

Following the interval, the Cherries started where they left off and didn’t give Southampton any sight of goal.

Consistent pressure soon paid off and Smith soon added a fourth, heading home Hannah Bennett’s free-kick with half-an-hour still to go.

More chances followed for the Cherries, with substitute Helen Corbin having one cleared off the line and Bath coming close to netting a first hat-trick in red and black, her late shot from range going over Parker’s bar.

The three points move Cuss’ side into second place in the National League, with the manager giving his thoughts to afcb.co.uk after the game.

“I’m really pleased. I felt it was coming after the first two games of the season,” he began.

 “Tonight, was a complete performance and a really dominant one. I think we’re learning quickly. We controlled it well this evening and didn’t really give them a shot on goal.

“To come away with four goals for ourselves and a clean sheet, I’m absolutely delighted and couldn’t ask for any more.”