Kenni Thompson On Cup Final Win And More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Kenni Thompson says scoring in the Adopt South Women’s Hampshire Senior Cup final was the “icing on the cake” of a memorable first five months at AFC Bournemouth Women.
Thompson opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the first half of her team’s 3-1 win over Southampton Under-21s Pro Games Academy at the EBB Stadium on Monday [May 13].
The 23-year-old netted eight goals in all competitions after joining the National League Division One South West side from Spanish top-tier side Eibar in January.
“It’s been a great environment to be part of,” Thompson told Bernews. “The players and staff have worked together to push the club forward and improve. It’s been a smooth transition for me.
“To score in a final is always going to be a big deal and achievement, and it was great to go on and win the game. It was the icing on the cake for the season.”
Despite completing the league campaign unbeaten, Bournemouth missed out on promotion to the third tier of the women’s game, finishing runner-up behind Exeter City Women.
Thompson admits it has been a bitter pill to swallow.
“Some of us are still dealing with missing out on promotion and coming to terms with it,” she said. “It’s probably overshadowed what an amazing season we’ve had.
“To go unbeaten in the league, drawing just three games, should have been enough to secure promotion months in advance.
“Although we’re all gutted, it’s proven how strong we are as a team.”
The winger, who is the daughter of North Village coach Kenny Thompson, said she expects to remain at Bournemouth next season and help them fulfil their promotion ambitions.
Ice cool from the spot, @KenniThompson ????????????️ pic.twitter.com/BCeAk4iOrj
— AFC Bournemouth Women (@AFCBournemouthW) May 15, 2024
“Nothing is 100 per cent confirmed, but the idea is to stay at Bournemouth and be part of next season,” she said. “We have the group already here to get the job done.
“I’m really enjoying my football and being part of the club on and off the pitch. We set the standard this season and will look to build on it.”
Thompson also believes the future is bright for the Bermuda women’s national team and hopes to be part of coach Naquita Robinson’s future plans.
She made her debut in a 2-0 defeat away to the Dominican Republic in the Concacaf W Gold Cup qualifier in December last year.
“I was ecstatic to make my debut for Bermuda; it was a long time coming,” Thompson added.
“It’s a young squad with so much potential moving forward. I’m really excited about our future.”
Go Kenni!