AFC Bournemouth Women’s development squad retained their position at the top of Division One of the Hampshire County Women’s League thanks to wins over Widbrook and Down Grange Ladies.
Scoring a total of nine goals, and conceding just one over the two fixtures, the Cherries’ total points now stands at 36.
The first fixture against Widbrook saw the scoreline remain level until deep into the second half, where the Bournemouth side were able to grab their first goal of the day, after some excellent combination play between Helen Corbin and Ayuma Asira, which led to the latter slotting home across the Widbrook ‘keeper.
Three minutes later, the Cherries doubled their lead after a long range shot from Asira hit the post and bounced kindly to Erin Thickett, who scored her first senior goal for the club.
Further goals were added when Corbin converted a Thickett cross in the 70th minute, and Chelsea Sheppard finished the scoring after smashing home a corner from close range.
The following week, the Cherries travelled to Down Grange Ladies as they looked to continue their unbeaten record. The game started much in AFC Bournemouth’s favour as Corbin netted twice within the opening five minutes.
The early goals did not kill the spirit of the home side and they created opportunities to get back into the game in the first half, but were denied by the excellent Steph Small, who made two superb saves.
However, it was Bournemouth who were to add the third goal of the game. Asira, showed excellent perseverance and persistence to ride three tackles, before being fouled into the box to win a penalty, which Rosie Nicklen dispatched with authority into the bottom left corner on 25 minutes.
The second half continued to see Down Grange push for a way back into the game, but it was to be the Cherries that further pushed ahead, with the hosts scoring an own-goal.
Nevertheless, Down Grange did find the net minutes later to reduce the deficit, before Bournemouth’s Chiara Andreotti made it 5-1 after an impressive run out from the back.
