AFC Bournemouth
Last weekend, saw all four AFC Bournemouth age groups back in action.
The under-10’s continued their cup campaign, with a competitive home tie against Sholing. The girls defended well throughout, and looked dangerous when in attack.
The second half was also full of excitement, as both teams were awarded penalties just minutes apart from one another.
Kelcey stepped up for the Cherries and her well struck shot narrowly went over the top of the bar, whilst Georgia’s efforts in the opposite goal werenot enough to stop a powerful strike.
Meanwhile, the under-12’s faced Portsmouth YOUnited on the neighbouring pitch for the second time this season.
In the Inter-Cup tie, it took the Cherries a bit longer than normal to settle into the game, as they found it difficult to break through a strong Portsmouth defence in the early stages.
As the half progressed, the scoring opportunities for AFC Bournemouth increased, with Lucy finding the back of the net after intercepting a Portsmouth goal-kick. This gave the Cherries a slight advantage going into the half-time break.
Following the interval, the under-12s were a force to be reckoned with, as Emily A. and Lucy added to the goal tally in the opening stages of the second period.
With improved confidence, the Cherries couldn’t keep themselves from scoring, as Lucy completed her hat-trick, alongside a goal from Emily A.
To end the game, Maya bagged herself two goals in quick successions, with the final score sitting at 7-0, another excellent win and clean sheet for the Cherries.
The under-14’s launched their League Cup campaign at the weekend, with another tough fixture against BTC.
From kick-off the girls started well and looked to play the ball out wide and create chances. This worked, as a blocked shot from a wide pass allowed Lily to get the rebound to put the Cherries ahead.
They girls remained in front until the dying moments of the first-half, when an unfortunate error from the defence was capitalised on by the BTC striker to level the score.
The Cherries continued their dominance into the second-half and Hannah H. was causing continuous problems on the right-hand side.
She was rewarded late into the half, getting on the end of a cross to execute an excellent finish, resulting in the under-14’s winning 2-1 in a hard fought match.
The under-16’s were the only side to be playing away from home this weekend, with a tough test against a strong Portmouth in the Community side.
In a game that was competitive from the start, the Cherries got themselves on top with a stunning lobbed pass from Grace M., which found Larissa who edged the Cherries in front.
Following the goal, the intensity of the game increased with Portsmouth becoming the more dominant of the two sides, however AFC Bournemouth did get back on top following the half-time break.
Despite their early dominance in the second half, Portsmouth were awarded a penalty after a foul in the area. Goalkeeper Grace R., did well to save the initial spot-kick, but had no chance with the powerful rebound.
The response from the Cherries was excellent as, after more sustained attacks, Grace M. tapped in a rebounded corner, Lily added a third and Lois added a fourth goal for the side with a clinical header from a corner.
On the Sunday, AFC Bournemouth Ladies development squad continued their league fixtures, with a home tie against Southampton Ladies.
The Cherries were unfortunate to not take something from a game against their south-coast neighbours, after taking the lead towards the end of the first half.
A well taken finish from Helen Corbin, put the Cherries ahead before the half-time break, however Southampton responded quickly and levelled the game just two minutes later, before extending their lead with just three minutes to play in the opening 45 minutes.
Despite AFC Bournemouth Ladies' dominant possession throughout the second half, they were unable to get a goal back against the current Hampshire Division One leaders, as the game ended 2-1 in their favour.
Following the game, Girls and Women’s Development Officer David Staddon commented: “It is always great when our sides are challenged against strong opposition, as they were this weekend.
"This allows the girls and ladies, opportunities for growth and reflection.
“To record as many victories as we did is a testament to all players rising to the challenges presented.”
