Cherries aiming to spoil Watford

THE Cherries bring a successful first season in the third tier to a close this Sunday as they head to champions Watford aiming to spoil their promotion party.

The Hornets will head into the WSL2 next season, and, while Helen Bleazard’s side lost their chances for promotion last weekend, they’ll be aiming at the league double over Sunday’s hosts after their dramatic 3-2 win at Ringwood earlier in the season.

Bournemouth will finish third in their first campaign in the National League Southern Premier Division, and won’t be able to close the gap on Plymouth Argyle to reach the promotion playoff.

While there may be some disappointment that the Cherries cannot reach the second tier, it has been a hugely impressive first term in the third.

Cherries' playoff hopes ended with one game to play by defeat at Lewes

The Cherries were top at Christmas after an unbeaten start, and while defeat to Oxford United ended a run of 1,081 days unbeaten in the league, they continued to pick up good results.

However, a patchy run of form since mid-March saw them drop points in a draw with Exeter, lose to Plymouth and Real Bedford, before last weekend’s defeat at Lewes.

But Bournemouth did claim silverware as they defeated Argyle 1-0 in the National League Cup, and they have plenty to build on for a second campaign in the third tier next season.

Watford, meanwhile, will be promoted as worthy champions. They have lost just twice all season, once against the Cherries, and have looked imperious at the top of the league in recent months.

AFC Bournemouth travel to Vicarage Road to face Watford on Sunday, April 26, kick off at 2pm.