AFC Bournemouth Women recorded an excellent away win at Warsash Wasps on Sunday afternoon, extending their league at the top of the Southern Region Women’s Football League.

Second place Warsash, who were level on points with the Cherries before the game, were defeated 2-1 by Steve Davies’ side in a competitive game at the Osborne Road Recreation Ground.   

Jade Hockey struck twice to secure an important three points for AFC Bournemouth in their bid for promotion.

In the 2pm kick-off, the Cherries started strongly and it wasn’t long before the ball was in the back of the net.

Chloe Tape burst through the Warsash centre-backs before slotting the ball home, only to then find the linesman’s flag up for a narrow offside decision.

19 minutes in, however, and the Cherries got what they deserved with Hockey staying on her feet in the box, turning the defender and slotting left beyond the ‘keeper.

Warsash soon looked for a reply and Aimee Burridge was forced to clear off the line from a corner, before Cherries shot-stopper Kate Guthrie saved well from Isabel Molyneux-O’Callaghan,

As the hosts continued to apply pressure, the Cherries broke away from a corner, with the ball cleared to Chloe Tape up field. A good spell of possession ended with a ball to Hockey, who turned the centre-back and fired home for her second of the game.  

After the break, the first chance fell to Warsash and Megan Fox, but the eventual shot went wide of Guthrie’s goal.

A quiet second half came to life with ten minutes to go, as the hosts did pull one back through Fox.

However, it wasn’t enough and the Cherries saw out the game with a 2-1 win.

Following the match, manager Davies shared his thoughts with afcb.co.uk.

“It was a physical game, but we rose to the challenge and deserved the win,” he began.

“Today it was all about the result and I’m delighted with the three points.” 

Head of Community Steve Cuss also commented following the win.

“As we enter this critical stage of the season, congratulations to the team as the result was very important as we maintained our position at the top of the league.

“The team’s performance and result has put them in a strong position with two remaining games of the season.”