AFC Bournemouth secured maximum points from their opening two National League fixtures after prevailing 2-1 against Cheltenham Town in their inaugural competitive fixture at the Bob Lucas Stadium, the newly acquired home of Weymouth FC.
Both teenage newcomers Issy Watts and Tia Young found the net as the Cherries christened their fresh venue in style.
Helen Bleazard’s outfit now occupy third position in the Southern Premier Division table, having overcome both Wimbledon and the Robinesses. Only Oxford United and Fulham sit above them, benefiting from a superior goal difference.
The hosts were locked at 0-0 following a first half in which they created numerous opportunities.
Clarabella Hall fired an effort from the penalty area wide of the target, Issy Bryant wastefully shot over the bar when well-placed, and future scorer Watts headed a free opportunity off target from close range.
The former Southampton academy player required less than ten minutes after the interval to open her account for the club. Katie James delivered the ball to Watts positioned just outside the box on the left flank. The 19-year-old shaped her body and bent a delightful strike into the far corner, celebrating enthusiastically.
Cheltenham struggled to contain Bournemouth’s attacking pressure. Jenna Markham threatened on the counter-attack while Watts nearly added a second, only to be denied by an excellent defensive block. The home side were firmly in control.
The visitors eventually carved out a rare opening and restored parity when a corner delivery caused confusion in the area. The ball fell conveniently for Emily Owen, who tucked it away from eight yards out with 20 minutes remaining. Her composed finish through a crowded penalty area nestled into the bottom-left corner, leaving Katie Scadding with no chance.
However, the outcome shifted once more in stoppage time. James delivered another set-piece from the near post, which the Robinesses could only partially clear to the six-yard box perimeter. Summer acquisition Young, arriving from Portsmouth, reacted swiftly to unleash a powerful drive that flew into the top of the net.
This result built upon a narrow 1-0 triumph at AFC Wimbledon, gifting the Cherries a flawless beginning to their season as they pursue the promotion that narrowly eluded them twelve months prior.