CHERRIES defender Maisy Smith says her side are more than up for fighting on multiple fronts as they continued the defence of their Hampshire Senior Cup by reaching the final for a third season in a row.

A penalty shootout win over Moneyfields after a goalless draw means Cherries are still fighting for a double, with their battle for the FA Women’s National League Division One South West title set to go to the wire with Exeter City.

Smith captained the team last season to their maiden county cup triumph, Cherries ending Portsmouth’s 14-year dominance of the competition.

 

Speaking to afcb.co.uk, Smith commented: “It would be brilliant. Teams obviously want to beat us.

“We are obviously trying to win the league but to defend the Hampshire Cup would be great as well. It would be amazing.”

She added: “Portsmouth are quite known for winning that cup, so lifting it last year was brilliant.

“I was captain of the side then and lifting the trophy with Scads (goalkeeper Katie Scadding) having a great night.

“It was one of the best memories I have with the club. Getting through to the final again is really good.”

Away at Moneyfields, Cherries twice thought they had found the deadlock in a tight game, only for Erin Bloomfield and Alisha Buckingham’s efforts in either half to be chalked off.

Smith continued: “I think when we drew Moneyfields we knew it was going to be a tough game.

“We beat them in the league a few months back, so we knew they were going to come out strong.

“We didn’t really take our chances in the game. It could have probably gone either way.

“We got a bit unlucky with that offside goal but it was nice to get the win.”