AFC BOURNEMOUTH women have revealed three opponents they will face as part of their pre-season preparations.

Cherries will welcome former title rivals Exeter City, Portsmouth, and Welsh side Penybont to their Long Lane base in August.

Penybont, who will ply their trade in the second tier of the Welsh pyramid next season, are Cherries’ first opponents of pre-season, with the Bridgend-based outfit visiting the south of England on Sunday, August 4 (2pm).

Cherries then face another second-tier side in the form of recently promoted Portsmouth, who travel to Ringwood on Wednesday, August 7 (7.45pm).

Despite going unbeaten in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West last season, Cherries missed out on the league title – and promotion – to Exeter.

The Grecians will play in the third tier next season, taking up a place in the Southern Premier Division.

They welcome their ex-promotion challengers Exeter to Long Lane on Sunday, August 11 (2pm).

Speaking about the challenges his side will face in pre-season, Cherries head coach Steve Cuss told afcb.co.uk: “We are very much looking forward to starting again but, importantly, the players need to recharge after a demanding season, both mentally and physically.

“The challenge next season will be different and one that excites us as we will be favourites for the title after not being beaten in the league last season.

“But I’m experienced enough to know it is a new challenge and expectations will be great.

“We will need to set high standards and be at our best to continue our development from last season.

“Importantly, we have secured most of last season’s squad and will be looking to add some new additions to the team.

“Playing three pre-season friendlies against teams which were promoted from their respective leagues will give us a good foundation after a good month of training.”