AFC Bournemouth Women secured a 2-1 win against Oxford United at the Vitality Stadium to go top of the Women’s National League Southern Premier Division on Wednesday night.
Goals from Charlotte Harris and player of the match Sophie Quirk ensured a 2-0 lead at the break before Shaunna Jenkins pulled one back for the visitors in the 91st minute in front of 5,850 spectators.
Manager Helen Bleazard made six changes from the 11-0 thrashing away at Millbrook FC in the FA Cup first round, bringing in Erin Foley, Quirk, Katie James, Elena Cole, Jenna Markham, Kelci Bowers and Harris.
The Cherries started the better of the two sides, winning an early corner that was put in by James and cleared by the Yellows. Four minutes later, James had a chance on the edge of the box to shoot, but it was well blocked and claimed by Bethany-May Wookey.
The hosts took the lead in the 11th minute after Quirk made a powerful run through the midfield and put a ball through towards Harris on the right hand side, the number 28 cut in on her right foot and curled a stunning shot into the top corner for her first goal of the season.
Three minutes later, Oxford looked to hit back as Nicole Barrett chased on to a ball and got the better of Harris, crossing the ball to Holly Turner and forcing Jess Hennessy to intervene and block the effort.
Despite this, Bournemouth doubled their advantage through another superb strike, as Quirk received the ball from Bowers, turning past two defenders and whipping a shot up and over Wookey into the corner from outside the box.
Seeking a third, the 21st minute saw James play Bowers through on the right and she tried to shoot across goal, but the Oxford stopper was quick to make the save and eventually the ball was cleared away.
The Cherries continued to dominate the first-half, having yet another big chance to score after Quirk played a one-two with Cole to break into the final third and delivered a cross that was headed out for a corner.
With no substitutions at the break, the hosts looked to continue where they left off. Both Kenni Thompson and Quirk caused more problems for the visitors and it looked certain that a third goal was coming.
However, Oxford remained a threat, with a penalty area scramble in the 53rd minute leading to a deflected shot bouncing off the crossbar, giving the hosts’ defence something to think about.
Bournemouth couldn’t quite break down a much more solid Oxford defence in the second 45 and struggled despite dominating possession. Captain Abbie Jones was one of five substitutes made by Bleazard to try and impact the game, with Jones’ leadership a welcome introduction.
The visitors did manage to grab a goal back in additional time through a corner delivery that gave Jenkins a free header at the back post past Foley to give some hope of a reprieve.
Though it was not to be as the Cherries managed to see out the match, with the final whistle blown on 100 minutes. The win puts them top of the league after Watford’s 1-1 draw with Real Bedford, and stretches their unbeaten run to 13 games this season. Next up is a visit to AFC Wimbledon on Sunday afternoon.
‘Business as usual’ as the AFC Bournemouth Women set to face Oxford United Women