AFC Bournemouth Women maintained their position at the top of the Southern Region Women’s Premier League thanks to a 3-1 victory over third place Oxford City.

Goals from Maisy Smith, Hannah Bennett and Rosie Eden secured the three points, with Steve Davies’ side now in pole position for promotion.

The Cherries took the lead just 7 minutes in, after Smith capitalised on a defensive error to slot home past the Oxford ‘keeper.

Less than ten minutes later and the hosts came close again, this time Rebecca Miles hitting the bar with a fine solo effort.

However, AFC Bournemouth soon had a second, Bennett with a superb solo goal, beating two players and the ‘keeper, slotting low on the right.

Oxford did have a route back into the game with half an hour gone on the clock, as Cherries ‘keeper Katie Scadding brought down the opposing striker and conceded a penalty, which was duly converted.

Nevertheless, all nerves were calmed just before the break, as Eden found the net from Smith’s rebound to give the Cherries a cushion going into half time.

Following the interval, substitute Meg Vella made an immediate impact.

Firstly, her corner found the head of Miles, with the winger’s eventual effort going narrowly wide.

Moments later, surging forward again, she was brought down in the box, giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot. Chloe Tape stepped up, but her low penalty was well saved by the Oxford ‘keeper.

As the clocked ticked down, there was still one more chance for the Cherries and it was Vella again, this time her shot firing against the post before being cleared by the visitors.

Now three points clear at the top of the league, the women will look to continue their fine form in the closing weeks of the season.

After the game a delighted manager Davies praised the battling qualities of his team.

“We are all really pleased with the result, it keeps our positive run going and are looking forward to the remaining league fixtures.”