A draw with Exeter City on the final day of the season wasn't enough for AFC Bournemouth women who, despite an undefeated campaign, finished second in the National League.

With just one spot up for grabs in order to win promotion to the third tier, it was the hosts in Devon who went on to lift the trophy. 

Gemma McGuinness opened the scoring for Steve Cuss' side with a lovely effort from the edge of the area, giving the visitors the advantage as half-time fell at Exwick Sports Hub. 

As 800 spectators packed into the venue to watch the top-of-the-table clash, the second period began in a similarly tight manner as both teams looked to get that all-important next goal. 

Unfortunately for the Cherries, it fell the way of substitute Zoe Cunningham, whose free-kick from 25 yards beat Daniela Kosinska with just under an hour on the clock. 

With both teams enjoying their fair share of possession, there was little in it until Mollie Taylor picked up a second yellow card with 12 minutes remaining, having brought down Kenni Thompson in a dangerous area. 

That free-kick was almost perfectly executed by Molly Barron-Clark, who stuck the woodwork with a curling effort that was inches away from dipping in. 

As the clocked died down, chances were few and far between for Cuss' side, who were in need of the three points to leapfrog Exeter into top spot. 

It wasn't to be after eight added minutes and the Grecians went on to hold out for a draw, subsequently earning them a spot in step three of the women's football pyramid next season. 

The Cherries, however, have plenty to be proud of after a memorable campaign, which saw them end with 19 wins out of a possible 22 and 127 goals scored in the league. 

AFC Bournemouth: Kosińska, Bowers (Bloomfield, 69), Smith (Gilroy, 83), Treweek, Jones, James, Barron-Clark, Hillier (Buckingham, 75), McGuinness, Cooper, Thompson. Unused subs: Scadding (g/k), Venditto.