However, Charlotte Harris has revealed that the team are aware that things might not be as easy this time around.
After the [Cherries](http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/cherries/clubnews/) emerged victorious against Moneyfields in the FA Women's National League Cup, Harris spoke about the positives and negatives of the performance, as well as the team’s hopes for the rest of the season.
Bournemouth went unbeaten in the league last year, drawing just one match, and they have begun this season in a similar fashion. The team have not lost in their opening five fixtures in all competitions.
“I think it’s going to be tough in tier three because there are so many good teams," Harris said.
"We understand this season is going to be more difficult, so there may be times where we lose a game, or a result might not go our way. \[We are\] just taking it as it comes really, we’d love to try and go unbeaten, but we understand that this year is going to be more of a challenge.”
Helen Bleazard’s side won 2-0 on the day but had plenty more opportunities in a dominant performance.
Harris spoke on whether the scoreline flattered their opposition: “Whilst I think we dominated on the ball, they actually minimised quite a few of our chances and limited us in front of goal.”
“I definitely think we could have scored more, and we want to be more clinical in front of goal, but you can never underestimate Moneyfields. They are just so tough to beat and they’re great defensively, especially.”
Bournemouth beat Moneyfields to the league title (and therefore promotion) last season, winning both league games 2-1, whilst the Portsmouth-based club took a 4-3 victory in the cup. The two sides have had many contests over the years.
“There definitely is a rivalry because they are such a good team. We feel like we have to beat them,” Harris said.
“Although we’re not in their league now, I think there’s always going to be a rivalry because of so many battles in the past. Their manager is very vocal, which definitely hypes their players up, and we love that too. We want to thrive off that.”
When asked about Moneys’ set-piece threat during the match, Harris admitted: “We knew before coming into this game, we had special players that each of us had to mark. Ali Hall actually played for us last year and is their main threat on set-pieces, so we knew how good she was. I think we did really well to put our bodies on the line.”
Bournemouth were particularly dangerous in the transition, with Sophie Quirk’s second goal a key example of how quickly the Cherries could break.
“It’s something we try and take into every match," Harris said.
"We pride ourselves on being really fit and having speed up top. Especially with a team like Moneyfields who are so good defensively, we wanted to make the most of those chances.”