Cuss – It was good to be back playing

The Cherries triumphed 3-0 against National League counterparts Swindon Town at the Ringwood Community Hub on Sunday.

First-half goals from Lucy Cooper and new signing Kenni Thompson were added to by Alisha Buckingham late on as Cuss’s team made it ten league victories in succession.

Due to the festive break and postponements, this was the Cherries’ second game in seven weeks and an efficient display pleased boss Cuss.

He told afcb.co.uk: “With just the one game in seven weeks, it wasn’t an easy position for the players to start the new year but I was really pleased.

“We created a number of chances in the first half and scored the two goals. The tempo dropped a little in the second half, but we managed to wrap it up with the third goal and an important clean sheet alongside it.

“I was delighted for the players and it was good to be back playing.”

Cooper drew first blood when she notched her 14^th goal of the season in the tenth minute and new recruit Thompson doubled their lead six minutes before half-time.

Buckingham came off the bench to complete the scoring four minutes from time following a bizarre assist from Molly Barron-Clark who slipped over but still managed to head the ball to her teammate despite being on the ground.

Cuss added: “I thought the first goal really settled us well. It was a good bit of play from Katie James who pressed well and won back the ball high up.

“She was creative with a lovely backheel to set up the chance and Lucy does what she does so well, finishing coolly and calmly.

“For the second goal, Kenni showed really good strength in the box. She let the ball settle and used her strength to hold off a defender and finish with her left foot.

“The third goal was a bit of a strange one! Molly slipped on the edge of the box, but still managed to keep the ball alive with a header that fell nicely to Alisha who took the goal really well.

“I was pleased with all three goals and the clean sheet as well. It has got us off to a good start this year.”

Asked about Thompson’s debut, Cuss said: “I was really pleased. She is certainly a player who wants the ball to her feet.

“She’s only been with us for a short period of time, but we will work with her so we can get the best out of her.

“She certainly has ability and played on both sides. She is an attacking player who creates chances and scores goals as well.

“I am delighted we got her because she gives us some really strong options and I am really pleased she has settled in so well.”