CHERRIES women’s captain Maisy Smith has encouraged fans to come and watch “quality football” as they get set to play their first competitive match at Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

Steve Cuss’ side take on Chesham (2pm) with an outside chance of promotion to the National League Premier South still within reach for the Dorset club.

“It doesn't matter if it is women or men playing, if you enjoy watching quality football then come along and watch because we can play football,” Smith explained.

“The style of football we play is similar to the men's team. We like to play out from the back, we like to play football and you know it is quality so if you enjoy watching football come and watch, it will be a good game.”

Cheltenham are five points clear of Cherries but this weekend’s game is an opportunity for the team to close the gap to two points, going into the final round of fixtures.

Smith admits it looks likely that the Robinesses will clinch promotion but still believes it has been a “great season” with just one defeat in their maiden season in the National League.

She continued: “This season could not have gone any better.

“We have had youngsters come up and we have had players come from other leagues, it's been a completely different squad.

“So, to have gone into the National League and done as well as we have it's been really good and I don't think the season could have gone any better.

“I know we would have loved to have got promotion - I’m not saying it's definitely not going to happen - but Cheltenham are obviously looking good to get promotion.

“Promotion would have been excellent but I don't think you can take away what we have done - it's been a great season.”

The defender has played several times at Vitality Stadium, but never in a competitive game and is itching to get out on the pitch.

“I can't wait,” she admitted.

“I’ve played a couple of games at the Vitality - although they have been friendlies and obviously this one is a league game, a very big league game so I can't wait to play.

“It's going to be an excellent game and considering we have sold over 1,300 tickets already it's crazy.”

She added: “When we play week in week out at Verwood this season we have had a lot of fans come and over the years at Bournemouth since I have been here, this is my fifth year, you see more and more fans coming which is excellent.

“We want to put on a show for them and are really looking forward to it.”

Cherries head coach Cuss also said it was an “exciting moment” for the club and when asked about the team playing on a more regular basis at Vitality Stadium, he said: “Yeah, we certainly hope so.

“Obviously this one is going really well in terms of ticket sales and it is looking like we are going to get a really good crowd here.

“It is something that we are doing for the first time and hopefully as the team grows we can offer that on a more regular basis in future seasons.”

In terms of team news, Jade Bradley had to be brought off in the 3-0 defeat to Portsmouth in the Hampshire Cup final on Wednesday but the 25-year-old should be fit for the clash with Chesham.

Cuss added: “I had to take her off early in that game, obviously she was disappointed with that but she understands we need to get her fit for the next game.

“Hopefully with a good week of training she will be fit for Sunday.

“Everyone is fit and available, just the long-term injury to Molly Clark who won't be fit to play this weekend.”

  • Tickets for Sunday’s game kick-off are priced at £5 for adults and £3 for over 65’s, Students and wheelchair access fans.

The club is also offering a special offer for groups of 10 or more with the tenth ticket free of charge when ordered over the phone or in person at the Vitality Stadium ticket office.

To get your ticket call 01202 726300 or email tickets@afcb.co.uk