Abingdon United Women produced a ruthless attacking display to defeat Bournemouth Sports 4–2 at Northcourt, a result that lifts Chris Smith’s side from fifth up to fourth in the FA Women’s National League, while Bournemouth remain seventh.

With both teams knowing the stakes — Abingdon pushing for fourth and Bournemouth able to move up to sixth and level on points — the contest was always likely to be competitive. Despite challenging weather conditions, the pitch held up well and allowed both sides to play, with Abingdon in yellow and blue and Bournemouth in white and green.

Team news and early intent
Abingdon made several notable changes, with Lauren May making her first start since April last year, while Nell Boxall, Freya Gilmore and Mollie Dyer also came into the XI. Issy Bradley, Amy Chivers and Anais Harris-Beechers dropped out of the starting lineup. May’s return would prove pivotal.

Bournemouth Sp kicked off and started brightly. Inside three minutes, Elliott found space down the right and delivered a dangerous cross to a completely free Jennings, though poor control spared Abingdon an early setback. The warning was clear.

Abingdon responded quickly. Mimi Hodges found Molly Lygo, whose intelligent touch released Mollie Dyer in behind, but her early effort was comfortably gathered by the visiting goalkeeper. That pattern — Lygo’s vision, Dyer’s running and May’s link play — would define the afternoon.

Abingdon take control
The hosts began to dominate territory and tempo. Erin Hartigan, deployed at right-back, was instrumental, stepping in aggressively to win possession and repeatedly delivering quality from wide areas. Biggest Abingdon chance on ten minutes saw Erin pinch the pocket of Bournemouth, May held the ball up superbly and found Holly, Holly reversed a wonderful first time ball to Molly, who rifled one across the box — but no yellow shirt followed in, a missed opportunity that briefly hinted at potential frustration.

That concern was erased on 20 minutes. Goalkeeper Maisy Moore picked out Dyer on the halfway line, and the forward combined again with Hartigan before she released May in behind. May earned a corner on the right, and from Lygo’s outstanding delivery, May rose highest to head home — her second headed goal in two games and a landmark moment in her return to the starting XI.

Just 90 seconds later, Abingdon struck again. the ever commanding Libby Gilmore's clearance found May, who showed patience to flick on to Lygo who had anticipated the flick, she then found Mollie, and this time the forward turned provider, looping a ball over the defence. Lygo’s hunger and anticipation saw her beat both centre-back and goalkeeper to the ball before slotting home. That goal involvement marking her 8th league goal and 10th in all competitions, her best return in an FA WNL campaign and we are only 12 games in

Abingdon were flying, and Bournemouth struggled to cope with the movement and intensity. On 28 minutes, another Lygo corner caused chaos. Outstanding centre-back Mimi Hodges rose highest at the back post; her initial header was blocked, but she reacted quickest to stab home Abingdon’s third, another notch to add to her already impressive season.

Bournemouth respond before the break
At 3–0, the game appeared comfortable, but Bournemouth found a route back just before half-time. A misplaced cross-field pass from Boxall was intercepted by Ellie Elkins, who drove forward and unleashed a stunning strike from 30 yards that sailed over Moore and into the net. The goal shifted momentum, and Bournemouth finished the half strongly, forcing Abingdon to refocus defensively before the interval.

Second-half pressure and decisive moments
The second half opened with moments of individual brilliance from Abingdon. Lygo again, collecting the ball on the left, powered past multiple defenders and delivered a teasing cross that went unanswered — another reminder of Abingdon’s attacking threat, but also of the need for sharper box occupation.

Bournemouth applied sustained pressure around the hour mark, winning free kicks and testing Abingdon’s defensive organisation. Freya Gilmore and Mollie D combined well to clear danger during a nervy spell, while Moore remained composed under aerial pressure.

Boxall’s tireless afternoon came to an end on 67 minutes, with Amy Chivers introduced to freshen midfield. Shortly after, controversy arrived. Bournemouth appealed loudly for a penalty after the ball ricocheted off Mimi Hodges at close range (nowhere near any hands), but even with a very tough afternoon for the referee, he rightly waved it away. Ironically, seconds later a Bournemouth Sp handball blocked an Abingdon clearance, leading to a correctly given, free kick.
From the resulting sequence, Abingdon finally made their dominance count again. The brilliant Hodge had found Chivers, Chivers’ clever link play found Lygo, who cut inside and unleashed a fierce 25-yard strike. The Bournemouth goalkeeper produced a superb one-handed save onto the bar, but this time Abingdon followed in. Holly Sellwood, in outstanding form, reacted first to nod in the rebound and restore a three-goal cushion at 4–1.

Lauren May, having completed an excellent 72 minutes on her first start back, was replaced by Issy Bradley, while Sellwood was later withdrawn to deserved applause, making way for Anais Harris-Beechers.

Late consolation, but job done
The closing stages became scrappy, with Bournemouth winning consecutive corners. One clearance fell to Rolfe on the edge of the box, who was allowed time to turn and slide a ball across goal to the unmarked Kaitlyn Elliott to make it 4–2 in the 90th minute. It was a frustrating concession, but it did little to detract from Abingdon’s overall control.

Summary and standout performer
The final whistle confirmed a deserved 4–2 victory and a move up to fourth place for Abingdon United Women, while Bournemouth remain seventh.
Molly Lygo was deservedly named Player of the Match. Her influence was everywhere — directly involved in all four goals, delivering two assists from corners, driving play between the lines, and setting the tempo with outstanding work rate, patience and desire. It was a complete midfield performance.

Abingdon now turn their attention to a daunting test, travelling away to league leaders Swindon Town on 4 January 2026, buoyed by confidence, cohesion, and a growing belief that this side can continue to challenge near the top of the table.

Hear from 1st Team Manager Chris Smith on todays 4-2 victory