CHERRIES women boss Steve Cuss hailed his side for maintaining their standards as they made light work of St Austell in the FA Cup third qualifying round.

Cuss’s charges were eight goals up at the break, ending up 13-2 winners despite finishing the game with 10 players after Ellie Elkins was forced off with injury.

Maisy Smith and Lucy Cooper led the way with four goals apiece, whilst Gemma McGuinness, Helen Bleazard, Chloe Gilroy, Molly Gladwell and Alisha Buckingham also added their names to the scoresheet.

Speaking about the result, Cuss told the Daily Echo: “Obviously it's a big competition, the FA Cup and it's one that clubs at our level really look forward to and at all levels to be honest.

“We're trying to get through those early rounds to try and draw that big tie if we possibly can.

“Always a tricky tie when you draw someone from a lower league, but full credit to the players, right from the first whistle, we were as good as we have been in our league form and our standards were very high.

“Got ourselves into a really strong position and obviously saw the game through with a really good performance.

“So delighted to be in the draw.”

This summer Cherries’ women team was brought under the umbrella of Black Knight Football Entertainment, after previously operating under the club’s community arm.

Cuss shared how the takeover had created a positive atmosphere around the group.

“There's a real buzz about the place for sure,” Cuss continued.

“Obviously, the takeover of the club in the summer gives us that real buzz, and we took that into the start of the season and our form has been really good.

“From that point onwards it's been about driving our standards. We've been exceptional in some of the games, and we're just trying to make sure that we can do that week in, week out.

“And so far, the players have risen to every challenge that we've had and put on some good performances and the results have followed.”