CHERRIES Women’s manager Steve Cuss admitted he was “really pleased” after his side defeated Portishead 8-2 to continue their unbeaten league run.

Cuss’ side have not lost in 11 matches now, after Becki Bath bagged a hat-trick, Lucy Cooper a brace and Katie Kingshott, Katie James and Helen Corbin all finished with goals at Potterne Park.

The win sees the Cherries stay second in the National League Division One, now just five points off the summit and with two games in hand over leaders Cheltenham Town.

"I'm really pleased with the performance,” Cuss told the club website, speaking after the convincing victory.

"We started the game really strongly and scored a couple of early goals. That continued right throughout the match and we dominated in that area.

"It was interesting because Portishead had attacking threats going forward and that really stretched us the other way.

"It was a good game, but we were just very clinical in front of goal which was the pleasing aspect of the performance.

"I think the reaction was good. We scored two early goals, before they pulled one back. At that point, they were right in the game but I was pleased that we were able to go on and add a couple more goals.

"It was 5-1 at half-time at that really set us in a good position. The reaction to them scoring was really important for us as we needed the mentality to respond."

Up next for Cherries is another home clash in the league, this time welcoming Maidenhead United to Verwood, Dorset, on Sunday, February 13.

Previewing that one, Cuss added: “"It's part of the process, it's another three points. We're back to training hard this week ahead of another big game at the weekend."