The AFC Bournemouth women achieved promotion to the Southern Premier Division after beating Bristol Rovers 2-0 on Sunday afternoon.
The game was held at the Vitality Stadium in-front of 7076 fans; a record attendance for the Cherries women.
The Cherries cruelly missed out last year on the final day despite not losing a game, drawing 1-1 with eventual champions Exeter City.
Manager Steve Cuss made one change from the side that beat Moneyfields on Wednesday, with Helen Bleazard replacing Charlotte Harris.
Jenna Markham put the Cherries 1-0 up in the 35th minute. The striker pounced on a poor back pass and slotted it home with ease.
Katie James made it 2-0 to Steve Cuss’ side in the 68th minute. James getting onto the end of a deep cross by Ellie Strippel to poke it home.
It was a dominant start by the Cherries, who got on the front foot early and created the early chances.
Katie James had the game’s first shot on target; she received a cross-field pass from Molly Barron-Clark, James then had a go from distance which was caught by the Rovers keeper.
It was Bristol Rovers who had the first major chance of the game. A miscommunication at the back for the Cherries meant Bristol Rovers had a tap in, fortunately for Steve Cuss’ side the ball couldn’t be prodded home.
Chloe Bassett was denied by the post for Bristol Rovers, the ball fell to her in the box and her low-driven strike couldn’t find the net.
At the half hour mark, both teams had plenty of chances. However, it was the Gas Girls who looked the more threatening.
The 35th minute saw the first goal; Jenna Markham putting the Cherries ahead. A poor back pass to Georgina Hunt in the Rovers net was pounced on by Markham. She slotted the ball home with power to the delight of the Cherries fans.
It wouldn’t be long after half-time the Cherries would have the ball in the back of the net. Jenna Markham calmly placing the ball in the top right corner. However, celebrations were cut short due to the offside flag being raised.
The game had reached the hour mark, Steve Cuss’ side dominated the proceedings. Bristol Rovers having barely any chances at Erin Foley’s net.
The Cherries had their second goal in the 68th minute. Katie James latched on to a brilliant, deep cross by Ellie Strippel. She finished it on the volley to put Steve cuss’ side 2-0 to the good.
Katie Strippel had looked bright since coming on. She took on her full back and cut inside, curling her effort onto the far post with the Cherries looking to extend their lead further.
Excitement grew as time progressed on the Cherries touchline. With staff, players and fans knowing celebrations were just around the corner.
The referee blew for full-time. The game finishing 2-0 to the Cherries.
Their dreams had become reality. The Cherries had finally achieved promotion to the Southern Premier Division.
Next for Steve Cuss’ side is a trip to 4th place Worthing.
Cherries Lineup: Foley, Jones (Bowers, 64), Bleazard, Williams, Barron-Clark, McGuinness (Harris, 77), James, Markham (E. Hall, 87), Gilroy (Strippel, 46), Bloomfield (A. Hall, 67), Treweek