Over 5800 fans turned out to see AFC Bournemouth Women go top of the league with an entertaining 2-1 win against Oxford United.
The Cherries came into the game off an 11-0 win against Millbrook FC on Sunday, moving them into the second round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Oxford’s United arrived at Vitality Stadium off the back of a 10-0 win against Billericay Town however sat six points behind the Cherries.
Helen Bleazard made seven changes to her side that beat Millbrook: Erin Foley, Kelci Bowers, Katie James, Elena Cole, Jenna Markham, Charlotte Harris and top goal scorer Sophie Quirk all came back into the side.
Bournemouth started the game as strong as ever and pinned Oxford into their half for most of the opening exchanges.
A moment of magic from Charlotte Harris broke the deadlock eleven minutes in as she picked the ball up on the left side of the Oxford box, cut in and curled her shot into the far corner of the Oxford net.
It took just six minutes for Sophie Quirk to double the lead with another wonderful strike. She received the ball from Jenna Markham on the edge of the box and as she turned, looped her shot into the far corner, causing Vitality Stadium to erupt.
Oxford grew back into the game and had a good possession of the ball neatly however struggled to find the crucial chance.
It didn’t help their cause when they were forced to take striker, Holly Turner, off as she had picked up a knee injury, Emma Thompson came on to take her place.
As the half time whistle blew, the Cherries were in control of the game and took their two-goal lead with them into the break.
Sophie Quirk showed her talent and experience as the second half began as she seemed to ease past her defender on every occasion, creating several chances for the Cherries.
Bleazard’s side kept pushing as they looked to find their third goal however were denied several time by some strong Oxford defending.
Oxford picked up a very late goal when Shaunna Jenkins found the back of the net following an Oxford corner however the Cherries survived the late scare and were able to stand strong for ten added minutes to take all three points.
Sophie Quirk deservedly picked up Player of the Match after an impressive display of creativity and her wonderful strike that doubled the Cherries lead.
AFC Bournemouth: Foley, Hennessy, Meadows-Tuson (Newton 83), Thompson (Wilson 69), Quirk, James (C), Cole (Williams 83), Markham (Barron-Clark 77), Bowers (Jones 74), Treweek, Harris
Unused subs: Scadding (g/k), McGuiness
