AFC Bournemouth Women find themselves on the brink of winning the National League Division One South West and with it, promotion to the third tier of Women’s football in England.
After two seasons undefeated, promotion could finally be sealed by Steve Cuss’ side with victory over Bristol Rovers on Sunday. The game, will be staged at Dean Court, with over 5,000 tickets sold before Wednesday night’s hastily rearranged game against Moneyfields.
The two sides were supposed to meet at Long Lane in Ringwood a couple of weeks ago, but the game was abandoned shortly before kick-off due to thick fog. But thankfully, the two sides were able to rearrange the game at short notice to enable the scenario of the AFC Bournemouth women’s side clinching promotion at Dean Court.
The Cherries scored a quick opener on Wednesday night when Chloe Gilroy rather fortuitously scored from a corner at the near post inside the opening three minutes. Unlike many games the Cherries have faced this season, this was by no means one-sided contest with shot-stopper Erin Foley called upon time after time to keep her side in front. A triple save could well have grabbed the headlines in another game, but this match had a last-minute twist in the tail.
Ellie Strippel had doubled the Cherries lead, but AFC Bournemouth were pegged back just minutes later, conceding for the first time in 14 games.
The Cherries just need to cling on to the points for the script to be written for Sunday’s trip to Dean Court, but a dubious penalty awarded against Abby Jones in the 92nd minute appeared to end those hopes… only for Erin Foley to dive to her left and save the penalty.
AFC Bournemouth now need just three points from their remaining five games of the season, but they will hoping to do that at the first attempt on Sunday.
Tickets are still available via AFC Bournemouth ticket office website, with a home point for the first team available for those who purchase a ticket.
Your say…
Mdl wrote…
Hard-fought victory, Erin Foley the hero of the night, that triple save, plus the penalty… Unreal.
I’ve not watched anything back yet, so feel free to correct me, but it looked like a touch of luck for the first goal and absolute class all around for the second. Great ball into Strippel, with lovely control, and finish.
The penalty decision looked like a shocker, but the save was class.
Well deserved win, and almost a certainty to go up as champions this season, great night’s work. – To join the conversation, please click here.
