CHERRIES women came out on top of a five-goal thriller at Swindon Town to make it eight wins from eight to start their FA Women’s National League South West campaign.

Katie James’ screamer from distance was met by a similar strike from Ellie Strippel on the half-hour mark, before Helen Bleazard held her nerve to convert twice from the spot in the final five minutes of the first half.

Georgia Clifford pulled another goal back for the Robins just before the hour mark, but Cherries held on to strengthen their position at the top of the table.

Speaking after the game, manager Steve Cuss told Cherries’ website: “It was a really tough game against a team that will be near the top at the end of season.

"We weren't at our very best, but there were parts of us that were good and good enough to score the goals. We then had to find a different side to us and it's one that I've been really pleased with at the moment.

"We're finding those ways of winning the tight games. We certainly defended and fought really hard to get the three points."

Describing the goals, Cuss added: "We have that ability to shoot from distance, Katie and a few others have that ability. I thought it was an outstanding strike from her to put us in front. 

"Then both the penalties were really taken well, very calm from Helen and she picked her spot. Those were tough decisions by the referee and they could've gone either way but they went our way.

"I actually thought one of them did hit the Swindon player's arm, but it could've gone either way. Luckily, the decisions went our way.

“Helen took the penalties, she was really calm and picked her spot and went with the same spot on both occasions."