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Bournemouth boss Steve Cuss hailed his all-conquering side’s “incredible achievement” as they sealed promotion to the third tier of women’s football by beating Bristol Rovers in front of a record crowd at Vitality Stadium.<\/b><\/p>\n
The Cherries have now won all 18 of their FA Women’s National League Division One South West fixtures to date, scoring 82 goals and conceding a meagre three in the process.<\/p>\n
Sunday’s 2-0 victory, which secured the title and a place in next year’s Southern Premier Division with four games to play, was witnessed by 7,076 fans – the highest-ever Bournemouth attendance for a women’s game.<\/p>\n
Cuss told BBC Radio Solent: “We just fell a little bit short last season but the response of the players has been magnificent, to do what we’ve done.<\/p>\n
“It’s an incredible achievement and I’m so very proud of them. It’s a very special day, a special season with a special group of players.<\/p>\n
“Who would have thought at the start of the season that we’d get 7,000 people here at Vitality Stadium? It’s a dream come true.”<\/p>\n
Both sides struck the woodwork in Sunday’s game before Jenna Markham put the Cherries ahead late in the first half with her 20th goal of the season.<\/p>\n
Markham had another attempt ruled out for offside, but the home side doubled their lead midway through the second period when Katie James converted from substitute Ellie Strippel’s cross.<\/p>\n
“They [Rovers] nearly scored on a couple of occasions, but we’ve found ways to keep the ball out of the back of the net \u2013 that’s been our strength,” Cuss added.<\/p>\n
“Again they were strong in defence and the moments of quality came our way. I’m delighted with the girls.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n