AFC Bournemouth Ladies suffered their first league defeat of the season against Alton on the weekend.
Despite a 4-2 scoreline at Bisterne FC, the Cherries remain top of the Southern Region Women’s Football League, with Alton now in third place.
Jade Hockey opened the scoring just six minutes in, finding space inside the area to shoot and fire in off the crossbar.
However, less than ten minutes later, the visitors had pegged one back through Ella Williams, who latched onto a through ball before taking round the ‘keeper, Katie Scadding.
The Cherries had plenty of chances to retake the lead, with Rosie Eden soon hitting the bar.
But, it was regained in the 27th minute, as Chloe Tape played a lovely ball into Meg Vella, who slotted home for her first goal for the club.
With the score at 2-1 to the Cherries going into the break, they could head into the second half with confidence and started well.
Yet, a strong 20 minutes couldn’t be taken advantage of and Alton soon found an equaliser through Chelsie Stewart, who slotted home from close range.
And just three minutes later, the visitors were ahead.
With a corner swung into the Cherries box, it was captain Sian Tilly who couldn’t prevent heading into her own net to make the score 3-2.
Steve Davies’ side continued to press in the last 15 minutes, with Tape almost netting an equaliser having been played through one-on-one.
And with the Cherries pressing forward and moving to three at the back, it allowed for Alton to break with five minutes to go, Nicola Moore getting fourth for the visitors.
Following the defeat, Cherries manager Steve Davies spoke about the game to afcb.co.uk.
“We have been on a very good run of results,” he began.
“The challenge now is for the players to respond positively, and look to go on another unbeaten run.”
Next up for the ladies is another home fixture next Sunday, this time against Southampton Women’s Reserves.
