Development squad go top of league

The side remain unbeaten all season, having taken 18 points from their opening eight league matches.

In recent weeks, a big win against QK Southampton Ladies added to Sunday’s away victory as the Women move three points clear at the top of their league. 

Cherries strikers Charlet Norman-Tasker and Morgan Hill continued their great form, having scored in back-to-back games, whilst number nine Helen Corbin has bagged nine goals in her last two outings for the Cherries. 

Last weekend, the team produced a comprehensive win over QK Southampton, this being their third successive away win.

The team showed their dominance and played excellent football to get the game going but couldn’t put away any of their chances until 20 minutes when Corbin collected her first goal, connecting with a Norman-Tasker assist.  

QK Southampton made it difficult for the Cherries to build any momentum following their goal, and equalised from an under-hit back pass just ten minutes later, however the goal was quickly cancelled out as Corbin scored her second of the game to see the Cherries’ leading into the break.  

The second half started well for the Cherries, who scored five goals within 15 minutes.

There were further goals to add as the game closed out, as Hill scored the Cherries' final goal of the day, before QK Southampton got another consolation. 

Following their excellent win the week previous, the Women’s development squad were positive as they went into last weekend’s away fixture to Widbrook.

The home side started better and took the lead 26 minutes in. A left-sided corner was swung into the back post where goalkeeper Steph Small’s parry was met by a Widbrook forward, who headed into the net. 

Nevertheless, within two minutes, Charlet Norman-Tasker had produced an excellent finish high across the Widbrook goalkeeper to level the score. 

The away side went on to create numerous chances with Corbin hitting the post twice, Sofia Sinaguglia shooting wide and Nikki Young firing a fierce shot at the goalkeeper from a tight area.

Finally, a goal came in the 36^th minute. Corbin was set in behind the opposition defence and, having just beat the keeper to the ball, was able to poke past to give Bournemouth a 2-1 lead at half time. 

After the interval, Corbin got another after shooting low past the Widbrook 'keeper.

Hill was to add her second goal in two games when she profited from a defensive deflection to tap into an open net from 15 yards.

Corbin was then to complete her hat-trick and finish for her ninth goal in two games when Bailey produced an excellent through ball right into her path, remaining composed to shoot home to make it 5-1. 

Speaking to afcb.co.uk, head of community Steve Cuss praised the Women’s development squad for their excellent start to the 2018/19 season.

“We are delighted with the start that the young development team have made in Division One of the Hampshire League.” 

“We have a number of players that have progressed through the youth teams, who are now performing well within the senior set-up and pushing for first team places.”