Cherries clinch title in front of record-breaking crowd - a truly incredible moment for Bournemouth.

Record crowd witnesses 'incredible' Cherries clinch title Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Bournemouth captain Abby Jones proudly displays the trophy following Sunday's triumph over Bristol Rovers that secured the championship 24 march 2025 Bournemouth manager Steve Cuss praised his victorious team's "remarkable accomplishment" as they secured promotion to the third tier of women's football by defeating Bristol Rovers in front of a record-breaking crowd at Vitality Stadium. The Cherries have now triumphed in all 18 of their FA Women's National League Division One South West matches so far, scoring 82 goals and conceding only three. The 2-0 win on Sunday, which clinched the title and a spot in next season's Southern Premier Division with four games remaining, was watched by 7,076 fans - the largest attendance ever for a women's game in Bournemouth. Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Cuss said: "We came close last season but the response from the players has been outstanding, to achieve what we have done. It is a remarkable achievement and I am incredibly proud of them. It is a special day, a special season with a special group of players. Who would have imagined at the beginning of the season that we would have 7,000 people here at Vitality Stadium? It is a dream come true." Both teams hit the woodwork in Sunday's match before Jenna Markham broke the deadlock late in the first half with her 20th goal of the season. Markham had another goal disallowed for offside, but the home team extended their lead in the second half when Katie James converted a cross from substitute Ellie Strippel. "They [Rovers] came close to scoring a couple of times, but we managed to keep the ball out of the net – that has been our strong point," Cuss explained. "Once again, our defense was solid and we capitalized on the moments of quality that came our way. I am thrilled with the girls." Image source, Getty Images Image source, Getty Images Image source, Getty Images Image source, Getty Images bournemouth, football, women's football, promotion, championship