AFCB

Women/Girls

Smith hails strength of Cherries squad ahead of Keynsham trip

Maisy Smith declared AFC Bournemouth women’s class of 2024 as the strongest squad she had been part of during her time at the club.

The 27-year-old is currently playing in her sixth season for the Cherries, having signed from Poole Town Ladies back in the summer of 2018.

The defender was part of a Cherries team who lifted the Chairman’s Cup with a 5-4 victory over Moneyfields in 2019.

Promotion was then secured in 2020, with the club top of the Southern Region Women’s Premier League before it was curtailed due to the pandemic.

Since then, the Cherries have been competing in the upper echelons of National League South.

Smith also lifted the Hampshire Women’s Senior Cup last May, following a penalty shootout win over Southampton RTC.

With another county cup final place already secured this time round, Steve Cuss’s squad are again vying for league glory.

The Cherries have won 10 of their 11 league fixtures and remain unbeaten in the division this season. Their only draw came against fellow title-chasers Exeter City earlier this month.

Asked for her thoughts on the current Cherries group, Smith told afcb.co.uk: “I have been here quite a long time and I’ve seen the squad change.

“But this is the strongest I have ever seen the squad. The players are absolutely brilliant. I love playing with them.

“We have a very strong squad and I trust them all.”

The next test for Smith and her teammates comes with an away trip to Keynsham Town at AJN Stadium today (2pm kick-off).

The hosts are currently sixth in the division, with 23 points totalled from 12 league games.

AFC Bournemouth women are also in action at Vitality Stadium against Keynsham on Sunday, March 24th. You can book tickets and select your seat here