STEVE Cuss hailed the "excellent" return to action of his squad as Cherries Women sealed their spot in Subsidiary Cup quarter-finals.

Having won the opener 6-0 against Eastleigh last time out, it was a tighter affair this time around, with a 2-0 triumph over Southampton reserves thanks to goals from Larissa White and Helen Corbin.

That win sets up a last-eight home clash against Ascot United this weekend.

“I think once the cup competition was formed, the priority was to try and get as far as we could and do well," Cuss told the Cherries website.

“I’m really pleased with the players, they deserve a lot of credit. Coming back having not played for three or four months to produce the two performances they have so far has been really pleasing.

“We’re not at our best yet but we don’t expect that after four months but fair play to the players, they’ve been excellent since they’ve come back.

“They’ve worked really hard in training to get those performances and we’ve had two good results. To go through to the quarter-finals as group leaders is great.”

He added: “I think it was nice to get some kind of competition back, but it was nice to get the players back in and around training, socialising together and seeing each other.

“It’s really important for them as individuals and as players to get back to working hard.

“They enjoy training and it’s great to see smiles back on their faces again.”

Cherries wasted an early chance to take the lead against Saints at Alresford Town in Winchester, as Molly Clark fired a penalty over the crossbar after a handball by Jas Hughes.

But Cuss's side soon took advantage with White firing into the top corner, before Corbin turned in from close range.

Cherries continued to chase more goals in the second half, but settled for a 2-0 triumph.

Looking ahead to this weekend's clash with Ascot, boss Cuss said: "The nice thing about the cup competition now is that it’s given us another game.

“It’s an extra incentive knowing that if we win, we’ll have another game because we know the season is over once the competition is complete.

“It’s great we have another game, it’s great that we’re at home but it’s going to be a tough game against Ascot.

“They’re a good side and let’s hope that we can perform like we have in the last two games and sustain that period of good play that we’ve had a little bit longer."

Ascot topped their group ahead of Woodley United and Abbey Rangers.