Women's Hampshire Senior Cup Report: Saints U21s 3-0 Bournemouth Sports

The youngsters secured their back-to-back titles with a confident display, as goals from Natalie Matthews, Jess Rawlings, and Sherise Henry earned their victory for the second year in a row.

Saints started with intent at the Snows Stadium, and struck the woodwork twice in the same move after just two minutes; Sherise Henry surged into the area and hit the near post from close range, before Sofia Dix Trujillo fired against the crossbar on the rebound.

Bournemouth Sports were comfortably kept at bay in the first half by Ben Cole's side but their search for a clear cut chance took some time until a corner just after the half hour mark broke the deadlock.

Centre-back Matthews rose highest in the area to meet an inswinging delivery and nod home the opener.

It was nearly two before half time when Henry headed agonisingly over the crossbar as she timed her leap to meet a cross from the left by Rawlings.

In the second half, the lead was eventually doubled in the 55th minute when that pairing combined again, this time Henry provided a cross from the right wing that Rawlings converted with a well-timed header at the back post.

Saints were firmly in control from then on and began playing with more relaxed confidence, as displayed when Henry impressively added the game's third goal.

The tricky winger, who had been a threat all evening, picked up the ball on the right touchline and drove towards the box before curling a shot with the outside of her boot that arced into the top corner.

Player of the Match Sherise Henry capped off her night with a stunning goal. (Photos: Graham Scambler)

Henry almost turned provider again ten minutes later with a similarly audacious pass to substitute Lucy Chads, who controlled well and finished from inside the box before the linesman ruled out the goal for offside.

Saints opponents weren't lying down though and had a chance for a consolation late on when a header from a corner struck the crossbar, but in truth they didn't create too much to threaten a dangerous response.

It was Saints who were celebrating again at full-time, as the youngsters ensured that their Hampshire title stayed red and white for another year.

Saints: Prout, Lampard (Robbins 63'), Lucas (c), Matthews, Rawlings, Blumire, Bolton (Roberts 46'), Henry, Dix Trujillo (Wilson 73'), Rae (Chads 73'), Udebhulu.

Subs not used: Protopsaltis-Evans.

Goals: Matthews 32', Rawlings 55, Henry 62'.

Bournemouth Sports: Vallis, R. Eden (c), E. Eden, Fowell (Rodrigues 64'), Fripp, Bennett, Whistler, Machado, Gladwell (Folkenstern 79'), Whall, Phillips (Vakatawa 64').

Subs not used: Elkins.

Goals: Matthews 32'.

Attendance: 294.