CHERRIES Women have been promoted into the FA National League.

Steve Cuss's side will make the step up into the fourth tier next season, to compete in South West Division One.

Cherries had previously competed in Southern Region Women's Premier, but have now clinched promotion, after applying to the FA via the 'upward movement process'.

Cuss's outfit had played just one league game in 2020-21, an 11-0 win over Oxford City, due to postponements caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

They also progressed into the first round of the FA Cup for just the second time in their history.

"I'm absolutely delighted with the news that we'll be going into the National League next season," boss Cuss told afcbTV.

"It's been a disruptive couple of years with the pandemic and the regular season being declared null and void, but we're thrilled that our results have been taken into account and we've been rewarded with promotion.

"I'm so proud of the girls. Their attitude has been fantastic, they've always had a smile on their face and this is exactly what they deserve."

Cherries are set to face the likes of Swindon, Maidenhead and Exeter in the National League.