AFC Bournemouth women booked a place in the first round of the National League Cup after a 2-0 victory over Bridgwater United at Long Lane on Sunday. 

Second-half goals from Alisha Buckingham and Katie James ensured the Cherries went into the hat for the first round, as the club's owner Bill Foley watched on from the stands. 

The win means the Cherries maintain their 100 per cent record this season, after a scintillating 13-0 win over Selsey last weekend kicked it off in superb style. 

After the game, manager Steve Cuss shared his thoughts with afcb.co.uk, admitting his delight at the victory and the dominance his side displayed throughout. 

"I thought we were outstanding in the first 25 minutes of the game and we really were dominant," he began. 

"I think we hit the bar three times and had a couple of penalty shouts. We got ourselves into good situations and their goalkeeper made some good saves. After that, we dropped off a little bit and couldn't quite keep that momentum going as we searched for that goal.

"We knew we had to be patient and we said that, but the first goal came and it was a real bit of quality. The little one-two with Alisha and Katie was matched by a great finish, so we were delighted to get through with a strong performance and I'm really pleased to be through to the next round. 

"We said to the players afterwards and we've said it in pre-season, it's going to take a whole squad to try and be successful at this level. We saw today that we have a really strong bench, we were able to bring five players on and two of them got the goals.

"Everyone helped us get over the line for the win, so it was a good position to be in with such a strong squad. Being able to bring that quality off the bench really helped today." 

With the Cherries successfully through in the cup, attention now turns to the league, as Bridgwater visit Dorset again in seven days, this time with three points at stake. 

"It's a difficult situation when you play the same team two weeks in a row. We had the cup today and they're back up here next week for a league game.

"I'm not sure you can put too much on one game. Of course, we know a little bit more about each other now, having just played.

"Nevertheless, it's a fresh challenge again next week and there are a vital three points we'll be looking to get at the end of it."