The Cherries won the title last season _(Image: Richard Crease)_
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THE [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/) fixtures for their first season in tier three have been announced.
AFC Bournemouth will step into the third tier for the first time in their history after they won the Division One South West title last season.
Steve Cuss’s side will begin their FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division campaign at home against Billericay Town on Sunday, August 17, before travelling to Hashtag United a week later.
A visit of old promotion rivals Exeter City follows to round out August, before a trip to Gwalia United and a home game against Cheltenham Town in September.
A home game against Lewes, an away match at Plymouth Argyle and a clash with Oxford United at home comes in October.
Back-to-back away games at AFC Wimbledon and fellow promoted side Real Bedford begin November, before hosting Watford at the end of the month.
Bournemouth travel to Billericay in December, before the new year brings a visit of Hashtag United and a trip to Devon to face Exeter.
Wimbledon and Gwalia both visit the Cherries in February, either side of a trip to Oxford.
Two away matches come in March, against Cheltenham and Lewes at the beginning and end of the month respectively, with Plymouth coming up to Dorset from Devon in between those fixtures.
The Cherries host Real Bedford on April 12, before they head to Watford to round out the season on April 26.
Cuss’s Cherries have also been drawn in group E of the National League Cup competition, with Ascot United, Bournemouth Sports and Moneyfields.