BOURNEMOUTH Sports and AFC Bournemouth are set to meet in the National League for the first time this season.

The sides will clash on Thursday at New Milton Town FC, after their game set for September was postponed.

It has been a season of contrasting fortunes so far this term, with the two Bournemouth sides at opposite ends of the National League Division One South West table.

Sports were promoted to the National Leagues for the first time at the end of last season and are finding their feet at this level – reaching five points from eight games so far.

They picked up their first win, defeating Abingdon United 3-0 on the road, picking up points against Portishead Town and Southampton Women, sitting 10th in the league, just above the relegation zone. 

(Image: ROBIN JONES) But Sports are a resolute side in defence, while their visitors AFC Bournemouth have been prolific so far this season.

The Cherries have won each of their six games in the league, with a goal difference of 30 so far.

Cherries boss Steve Cuss, previewing the game, said: “There's no doubt it's a challenge.

“To have a local derby on a Thursday night before a huge game here on a Sunday is a difficult week.

“But we got to look at that game as an isolated game.

"I mentioned before that they defend very well.

“I've got a huge respect for the fact that they've got to the National League and are performing in the National League, they're finding their way.

“A huge amount of respect for the players.

“I think there's up to about seven of them that have played for AFC Bournemouth and been part of our incredible journey and we'll always be grateful for what they've produced here at AFC Bournemouth.

(Image: Newsquest) “But it is a one-off game, it does add that extra little bit for sure being the two Bournemouth sides and not one that we played in the league for a while.

“This in the league is one that's going to be a big game and one that we're looking forward to and one that we got to prepare for within a busy, busy week.”

On the defensive prowess of their hosts, Cuss said he would set up against his side very defensively, to nullify the threats of the Cherries.

“I wouldn't expect any team to be making it easy for us to score goals,” he said.

“I think we've had that in the last few games where the team's approaches have been to try and stop us and first and foremost think about defending and making it difficult, making the game a little bit slower.

“It's up to us to rise above those challenges and try and overcome those challenges by the tempo we play and the quality of play that we can produce.

“So every game is different, every game is a different challenge.

“It’s one of them where we're going to have to be good with the ball to be able to break them down because they're a strong defensive unit.”

Cherries forward Lucy Cooper added: “We know how competitive Bournemouth Sports are, although they're lower than us in the league, they don't concede many goals, which is a sure sign that they defend well.

(Image: Newsquest) “They've got a good goalkeeper, some ex-AFC Bournemouth players in there as well, who I know.

“So, it will definitely be a very physical, very strong game where over time we'll have to break them down at the back to eventually get our goals.

“But with our quality as forwards, I'm sure that we'll get some goals on Thursday.”