It was a day of contrasting fortunes for Bermuda’s footballing exports in the United Kingdom, as national team stars reached cup finals while coaching legends faced a difficult afternoon in the top flight.
Kenni Thompson is heading to a major final. The Bermudian winger played a pivotal role as AFC Bournemouth Women secured their place in the FA Women's National League Cup Final with a professional 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion Women.
The semi-final clash at the Nationwide Windows Arena saw the Cherries dominate from the outset. Thompson, who has been a standout performer since joining the club, was a constant threat on the flanks before being substituted in the 86th minute to a standing ovation. Bournemouth will now face Plymouth Argyle Women in the showcase final on March 28.
In the Women's Super League, life remains tough for Shaun Goater and his Aston Villa side. The Bermudian legend, currently serving as an assistant coach at the Midlands club, saw his team fall to a heavy 4-1 defeat against Liverpool.
The result moved Liverpool off the foot of the table, leaving Villa searching for answers. Despite a competitive start, late goals from Liverpool captain Grace Fisk and substitute Aurelie Csillag put the game beyond reach, overshadowing what was a dominant display from the Merseysiders against Goater’s tactical setup.
Elsewhere, Bermuda’s national team captain Eva Frazzoni suffered a narrow defeat with AFC Sudbury Women against Jya Ratteray-Smith’s Chesham United. Welcoming Chesham United FC Women to the Elite Travel Stadium, Sudbury were hoping to build momentum in the FA Women's National League.
Despite Frazzoni's leadership in the heart of midfield, the hosts went down 2-1 in a tightly contested affair. The result is a blow for Sudbury’s league ambitions, though Frazzoni remains a key figure for both club and country as Bermuda prepares for upcoming international qualifiers.
Jasmine Spence and her Newport Pagnell Women's FC Teammates went down 2 - 1 to Northampton Town Women in a East Midland Division One South battle at Willen Road.
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