AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth Ladies recorded their eighth straight win on Tuesday evening, with a 5-1 scoreline in a friendly against The Royal Navy’s development squad.
Played at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth, a second-half Jade Hockey hat-trick, combined with goals from Rosie Eden and Chloe Tape all contributed to a 5-1 win away from home.
The Cherries started very strongly, with Tape’s strong run through the centre of the Navy’s defence bringing the first goal after only 12 seconds on the clock.
AFC Bournemouth then dominated for the next 20 minutes, with Rosie Eden, Emma Davis and Sian Tilly, all having good chances to increase the lead.
Midway through the half, the Navy started to impose themselves on the match and had their best spell and Katie Scadding made an excellent save with her feet as the Cherries maintained the lead.
On the half-hour mark, the Navy’s pressure was rewarded when, following great strike from the left, which was well saved by Scadding, the loose ball fell to the centre forward, who slotted home for the equaliser.
With the scores level at half-time, Hockey was introduced to the game and within three minutes restored the lead.
She then proceeded to convert a 19-minute hat-trick to put AFC Bournemouth 4-1 up by the 77th minute.
Hockey then nearly turned provider with a great ball played across the six-yard box for Jasmine Hughes, but her first time effort went just wide.
Eden then got the goal her play deserved in the 87th minute, after a strong run down the left was finished with her placing the ball wide of the keeper and into the far corner.
Following the game, manager Davies spoke of his delight at the performance.
“It was a very good win against a strong side,” he said.
“I was really pleased with the performance of all of the players. Katie Scadding in goal and Jade Hockey up-front both deserve a mention but everyone played well tonight.”
Head of Community Steve Cuss also commented and explained the arrangements in organising the game.
“The Royal Navy have a strong football pathway for their female players and the game provided a great opportunity for both organisations to play an extra game, midweek, under lights.
“We are grateful to the Royal Navy for the game and look forward to continuing the partnership with future games.”
