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, 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 28th.
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, 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.
Elsewhere, Bermuda’s national team captain Eva Frazzoni suffered a narrow defeat with AFC Sudbury Women against fellow Bermudian Jya Ratteray-Smith’s Chesham United. Sudbury were hoping to build momentum in the FA Women’s National League, but despite Frazzoni’s leadership in midfield, the hosts went down 2-1 in a tightly contested affair.
Rounding out a busy day, Jasmine Spence and her Newport Pagnell teammates also suffered a 2-1 loss to Northampton Town Women in their East Midland Division One South battle.
