Bournemouth Women secure fourth-tier title with 100% record

Bournemouth boss Steve Cuss hailed his all-conquering side’s “incredible achievement” as they sealed promotion to the third tier of women’s football by beating Bristol Rovers in front of a record crowd at Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries have now won all 18 of their FA Women’s National League Division One South West fixtures to date, scoring 82 goals and conceding a meagre three in the process.

Sunday’s 2-0 victory, which secured the title and a place in next year’s Southern Premier Division with four games to play, was witnessed by 7,076 fans – the highest-ever Bournemouth attendance for a women’s game.

Cuss told BBC Radio Solent: “We just fell a little bit short last season but the response of the players has been magnificent, to do what we’ve done.

“It’s an incredible achievement and I’m so very proud of them. It’s a very special day, a special season with a special group of players.

“Who would have thought at the start of the season that we’d get 7,000 people here at Vitality Stadium? It’s a dream come true.”

Both sides struck the woodwork in Sunday’s game before Jenna Markham put the Cherries ahead late in the first half with her 20th goal of the season.

Markham had another attempt ruled out for offside, but the home side doubled their lead midway through the second period when Katie James converted from substitute Ellie Strippel’s cross.

“They [Rovers] nearly scored on a couple of occasions, but we’ve found ways to keep the ball out of the back of the net – that’s been our strength,” Cuss added.

“Again they were strong in defence and the moments of quality came our way. I’m delighted with the girls.”