Women edge closer to league title
AFC Bournemouth
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AFC Bournemouth Women recorded a 6-1 win over Eastleigh on Sunday to move one game away from securing promotion.
A hat-trick from Chloe Tape, two goals from Rosie Eden and another from Emma Davis secured the three points, as the Women remain top of the table with one game to go.
The Cherries started the game well and Eastleigh ‘keeper Lauren Medhurst did superbly to deny both Eden and Davis inside 11 minutes.
Moments later and the pressure from Steve Davies’ side looked to have paid off when they were awarded a penalty. However, captain Sian Tilly placed it wide and the score remained 0-0.
Following the spot kick, Eastleigh had an almost immediate reply, with a misplaced pass latched onto by Samantha Hide, who took one touch and lobbed Kate Guthrie to give the visitors the lead.
Nevertheless, the Cherries continued to press, with Medhurst and the Eastleigh post keeping the Women at bay.
However, just before the break, some quick play saw Davis receive the ball and fire a deflected shot into the net, ensuring that the scores were level at 1-1 going into the break.
After the interval, Davies’ side continued where they left off and soon took the lead.
Terri Harvey, who had moved up top at half time, pulled the ball back for Tape, whose one-touch finish was enough to deceive Medhurst.
The scorer then turned provider for the Cherries’ third goal of the game, as Tape, in similar fashion to Harvey, squared from the byline for Eden to bag a third.
And Davies’ side weren’t done yet and with ten minutes to go scored a delightful team goal which started from Abi Fletcher in the heart of defence.
It was Tape who played through to Eden for the eventual finish, which was scooped over Medhurst for 4-1.
A tiring Eastleigh side soon conceded a fifth to the Cherries, this time Tape turning the defender and shooting from the edge of the box into the bottom right-hand corner.
And the Women's Player of the Year soon bagged her hat-trick with a minute to go, netting a one-on-one through the legs of Medhurst for a 6-1 scoreline.
Following the win, a delighted Davies spoke to afcb.co.uk.
“Eastleigh worked really hard and it was a good game,” he began.
“I’m really pleased with second half and the result overall.”
The Women remain in pole position with one game to go and will next week travel to Winchester where they hope to gain promotion.