Helen Corbin was on target as the Cherries pushed past high-level opposition in the National League Cup.

The National League Cup progression was especially impressive considering that it came away to a Hounslow side competing in the division above the Cherries.

Corbin's first goal of the campaign settled the tie before the break, with the away side looking likely to add to their slender lead before the hosts battled back late in the game, Steve Cuss' side standing firm to the end to book their place in the next round.

After the match, the manager caught up with afcb.co.uk to offer his reaction.

"We're first and foremost delighted to win the game," said Cuss. "Being drawn away to a team in the higher league, we knew it was going to be a tough game.

"They were very strong defensively and difficult to break down, so overall we're pleased to get the positive result and go into the next round.

"We scored early in the first half and looked like the team that was going to get the next goal in the rest of the first half and the majority of the second half, but their goalkeeper made a few good saves and we didn't manage to get that second goal.

"Then always in any game when there's only one goal in it there's that little spell and that came in the last few minutes when they pushed a few players forwards searching for an equaliser and we had to be strong defensively to hold on for the win.

"I was pleased with that part of things as well, that we have managed to hold on for the 1-0 because we've found ourselves in that position a couple of times this season and not been able to get over the line."

Cuss also looked to key performers at either end of the field, speaking of Corbin for her well-earned season opener as well as the start to life in the Cherries' net for goalkeeper Sam Chrippes.

He said: "We've got a really good squad and players who are capable of scoring goals and winning matches. It was Helen's first goal of the season so I'm delighted for her to be on the scoresheet; she works really hard and took her goal really well.

"We have a number of different players who can score so it's important that those goals are spread around for when we need them.

"The introduction of Sam Chrippes in goal has been great for us, that's a second clean sheet in a row for her and three in a row for us as a side, that's important as well. 

"We haven't got a game in the coming weekend, which is a little bit frustrating. Most teams are playing their county cups while we don't go into that until a little bit later.

"We've got a busy week after that with a game against Buckland at home then a midweek one against Poole."