Cherries fight bears no fruit.

Newquay arrived at Chapel Gate on the back of a 6-0 victory against close rivals Plymouth Argyle but this match held no foregone conclusion.

In fact it was Bournemouth who started brightly enough to concern their opponents and after 20 minutes all was going according to plan.

The Cherries had made 6 changes to the starting line up from their last match at Forest Green and it showed.  The welcome return of Banton and Prince certainly bolstered against a strong physical Cornish side and it was only through an unforced error in the 24^th minute that Newquay managed to break the deadlock.

A speculative ball into the box saw indecision between keeper and defender, and striker, Dennett nipped in between the two to prod the ball into the empty net.

Newquay’s second was a piece of mastery from their new signing, ex Gloucester City striker, Helen Woods who turned and shot early from the edge of the area giving Simkin no chance.

Bournemouth’s response was positive to say the least but this team was lacking confidence and it showed when each of their first half attacks broke down after some decent approach play.  There was always the threat of another Newquay goal but marshalled by skipper, Georgie Hoban, the back four looked more solid as the game progressed and Claire Heydon would prove to be outstanding at left back in the second half.

Lindsey Roe produced another fine performance but her attacking flair was needed further up the field if Bournemouth were going to turn this around.

Half time: Cherries 0-2 Newquay

Any neutral supporter would have been forgiven for thinking that Bournemouth were closer to Newquay in the league table because of the way in which the team continued to play but still the home side could not quite produce that final piece of movement or magic in front of goal.  Despite the possession advantage it was Newquay who would take the points without their keeper being truly tested.  In fact it was substitute Carrie Haydon who had the best effort of the game after coming on as sub in the 80^th minute but her volley from the edge of the box looped safely into the arms of the keeper.

Final Score: AFCB Ladies 0-2 Newquay LFC

Manager, Neil Prince had this to say;

I thought Jodie Prince and Lindsey Roe were outstanding today and despite the result I was totally upbeat at the end of the match because our players showed that they can perform against the best at this level but it’s goals that win games.

We must now all take responsibility and react positively to each situation and I must look to strengthen this team appropriately”.

 AFCB Ladies next match is at home to Southampton University on Sunday 21^st January (1:30pm) and after that they welcome Plymouth Argyle to Chapel Gate on the 28^th January, 2pm kick off.