Cherries

THE Cherries’ playoff hopes were ended with one game left of the season as they were beaten 2-0 by Lewes.

AFC Bournemouth knew only a win would mean they headed into the final game of the season next weekend with a chance to reach the playoff for promotion to the WSL2.

But, after their defeat in Sussex, Helen Bleazard’s side trail Plymouth Argyle in second by six points, meaning they cannot finish in the top two and so will remain in the third tier next season.

Bournemouth trailed 2-0 at the interval after goals from Leah Lane and Chelsea Ferguson, and they weren’t able to find a way back into the game in the second half and fell to back-to-back defeats for the first time in the season.

Lewes made a positive start as Ruby Seaby tested Katie Scadding, before the hosts took the lead after 12 minutes as Lane rose and headed past the Cherries keeper into the top corner.

Jenna Markham headed over the bar a minute later as Bournemouth sought an immediate response, before Paula Howells was next to have a go for the hosts, but her effort went wide.

Helen Bleazard. (Image: Richard Crease)

Keeper Emily Moore saved comfortably from a Sophie Quirk effort and she was called into action again to keep a Jessica Hennessy header out after 23 minutes, before the home side’s advantage was extended shortly after the half an hour mark.

Lane was again involved as she delivered a good ball across the face of goal, with Ferguson there to finish and make it 2-0.

Kelci Bowers tested Moore and Ferguson fired wide for the hosts just before the break, as Bournemouth trailed at the interval.

Bleazard made a change at the break as she introduced Elena Cole for Molly Barron-Clark, as chances were few and far between in the opening minutes of the second 45.

Scadding made a good save as Howells shot towards goal from range, before Katie James came on for Phoebe Williams, and Sophia Leonard and Gemma McGuinness replaced Kelci Bowers and Georgia Wilson.

AFC Bournemouth (Image: Richard Crease)

Zoe Barratt went close but saw her effort saved on the line with 12 minutes to play, as Bournemouth sought a way back into the game.

Lewes defended well and denied the Cherries any openings to hold the visitors at bay, and the game ended 2-0.

While Bournemouth’s hopes of a playoff were small heading to Sussex, needing two wins from their final two games and requiring Real Bedford to defeat Argyle on the final day, Sunday's defeat ended them with one game left to play.

The Cherries will finish third in the National League Southern Premier Division after a hugely positive first campaign in the third tier, which also included the National League Cup title.

Bournemouth head to Vicarage Road to face champions Watford next weekend in their final game of the season.