Division One South West title favourites: AFC Bournemouth

Photography by @constancyfootball

AFC Bournemouth: Is the League title within reach?

After narrowly missing out on promotion to Exeter City by 2 points after an unbeaten league 23/24 campaign, the stage was set for AFC Bournemouth to overcome last season’s heartbreak. Bournemouth, currently sitting in 2nd place, have picked up a whopping 33 points in their 11 games played, with nothing less than convincing wins, giving them a 100% league record. Despite sitting 1 point behind Moneyfields, Bournemouth have 3 games in hand and so if they are able to pick up maximum points and continue their superb form, it would leave them 8 points clear at the top, with no room for complacency!

Standout players and key contributions: goals, goals and goals!

The Cherries have been ruthless in front of goal this season, and it is safe to say that opposition keepers know they are in for a busy 90 minutes up against them. Scoring an incredible 90 goals across the league and cup competitions, the team have shown incredible prowess in front of goal, and such credit has to be rewarded to their two top scorers in the league, Erin Bloomfield and Jenna Markham. Bloomfield sits 2nd in the golden boot race with 19 goals in 17 games, while Markham sits 4th with 17 goals in 18 games. The team will be sure to hope they keep up their great form as the finish line edges closer and closer with the girls hoping to see out a highly successful league season.

The return of Molly Barron Clark in October after a 2 month injury was a definite boost to the squad after having an incredible season last year. Scoring 7 goals in her 12 appearances, with her biggest one undoubtedly being the one to take them through to the National League plate final, it is clear the team is filled with many prolific goal scorers.

A special mention to goalkeeper Erin Foley who has not conceded a goal in 808 minutes in the league, the equivalent of approximately 9 full games, a true attribute to the team’s fine form!

New signings: Have they secured enough depth?

The signing of Phoebe Ellen Williams from Southampton in the summer, a player who most recently played for Hashtag United scoring the winner in the National League Cup against Newcastle United, has undoubtedly been a strong addition to the Cherries midfield, helping to maintain their unbeaten league form adding depth in the middle of the park. More recently, Spurs forward Eloise Hall, aged just 18, joins the Cherries on a dual signing and is set to wear the number nine shirt; a young prospect to undoubtedly keep an eye on for the rest of the season as she helps get the girls over the line. Opening her account this weekend against Keynsham Town, I’m sure many people will be intrigued to see what she can add to an already talented squad.

Finally, the arrival of Ellie Strippel in July 2024, a player with recent experience at Bristol City in the Women's Super League, alongside playing for rivals Swindon Town, has been an amazing addition to the team. With 3 player of the match performances, scoring 7 goals this season, the attacking midfielder has made her presence felt in the middle of the park, both with her creativity and finishing ability.

Cup Runs: National League Plate final bound

The pinnacle of their cup campaigns this season is undoubtedly on the horizon as anticipation builds for the National League Plate Final against Cheltenham Town in April. Following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Manchester United Academy on Sunday 26th January, where the Cherries showcased their resilience, the scene is set for an enthralling final, of which the date is still to be confirmed.

Bournemouth are also into the second round of the County Cup, awaiting their confirmed opposition, whilst their FA Cup journey was cut agonisingly short by a narrow 1-0 loss to Ipswich Town in the Fourth round.

Key results: Ruthless and resurgent

Bournemouth have certainly recorded some high-scoring victories this season with 10-0 (vs Southampton), and consecutive 9-0 (vs Maidenhead) and 8-0 (vs Portishead Town) wins over their fellow competitors, emphasising such domination and infallibility in the league.

Their earlier top-of-the-table clash against Swindon Town at the Vitality Stadium saw the home team triumph as 4-0 winners with Katie James scoring a first half double. The fact that just over 6,000 fans were in attendance shows the community involvement the girls have been able to encourage with their performances, as well as highlighting the growth of the women’s game at the bottom of the pyramid, all which we hope will continue to develop.

Upcoming fixtures: On the brink of League & Plate victory?

There is no doubt that all attention will be focused on the National League Plate Final in April but hot on the heels of that… they face Swindon Town on April 13 in their penultimate league fixture of the season, a match that could prove pivotal depending on how the league standings unfold so be sure to keep an eye on their results as the finish line edges closer.

The club as a whole

The Cherries have a unique connection with Bournemouth University as not only does the university's logo feature on the team's kits, but players like goalkeeper Katie Scadding and full-back Abby Jones also serve as coaches for the university's women's football team, highlighting the club's commitment to fostering local talent and strengthening community ties.

With a busy schedule incoming due to weather postponements over the winter period, Bournemouth are set for a rampant end to the campaign. The next week sees the Cherries face Bridgwater on the 9th February, and then Bournemouth Sports on the 12th, emphasising the lengths that will have to be reached if they are to finally secure promotion to Tier 3 across the remaining 8 league games.