The Cherries Women scored not one, not two, but four goals in their latest game on Sunday against Portishead town, securing that all important win and no losses to their name so far.
With a crowd of 6805 at the Vitality stadium, their biggest yet, the Cherries took home an incredible win with two goals in the first half and two goals after half-time.
Players Gemma McGuinness, Maisy Smith, Helen Bleazard and Chloe Gilroy secured their names on the score sheet, with McGuinness and Smith scoring before half-time, and Bleazard and Gilroy in the second half of the game.
“It’s crazy to hear everyone cheering. It’s a great feeling to come off the bench, and obviously when you do you want to make an impact,” said Gilroy.
“And I guess I did by scoring a goal.”
Fans came to see the women defend their winning streak in the FA Cup in their first game at the Vitality Stadium.
“I was really impressed. I’m not sure what my expectations were as I have never been to a women’s game nor have I watched one but I am surprised I have not watched them play before,” said Minhaz Rahman, 29, a newer Bournemouth resident and AFC fan.
The success of the Lionesses at the Euros in the summer last year beating Germany in the finals, to their highly anticipated match against Spain in the World Cup, has seen a rise in interest in women’s football.
“I did not even know Bournemouth had a women’s team.” Said Mrs Rahman.
“Interestingly the only reason I found out about this game was because I visited the Bournemouth football store to buy some merchandise and a member of staff told me that I should check the website for the women’s game.
“I don’t think they have played in Vitality stadium like this before, but they definitely should more often,” she said.
“I think they could have a full stadium by the next game.”
Unmasking the silent epidemic: Drink spiking surges in Dorset amidst legal inaction