Kenni Thompson made a dream start after scoring on her debut for Bournemouth in their 3-0 home win over Swindon Town in the Women’s National League at Ringwood Community Hub on Sunday.

The 23-year-old forward, who impressed throughout the match, scored her team’s second goal with a superb left-footed shot just before the interval.

The brilliantly taken goal came either side of Lucy Cooper’s eleventh-minute opener and substitute Alisha Buckingham’s strike four minutes from the end.

“Really happy to get a goal on my debut and help out the team in my first game,” Thompson, daughter of North Village coach Kenny Thompson, told The Royal Gazette.

“Looking forward to the next game and continuing to grow with the team, and really excited for the rest of the season.”

Bournemouth coach Steve Cuss hailed the Bermuda forward’s outstanding display after she operated on both wings.

“I was really pleased. She is certainly a player who wants the ball to her feet,” he told the club’s official website.

“She’s only been with us for a short period of time, but we will work with her so we can get the best out of her.

“She certainly has ability and played on both sides. She is an attacking player who creates chances and scores goals as well.

“I am delighted we got her because she gives us some really strong options and I am really pleased she has settled in so well.”

New recruit Thompson, who joined Bournemouth from Spanish outfit Eibar this month, dedicated her goal to parents Kenny and Kim.

“It’s always going to be them because they have backed me since the beginning and they still back me now,” she commented on her club’s website. “I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

While happy with the result, Thompson reckons the best is yet to come for her team.

“We know as a team we’re capable of a lot more than what we showed on the weekend,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“But to get a 3-0 win when you’re not at your best shows how much potential the team has, which is exciting.”

Thompson has made a seamless transition to her new club.

“Everyone in the club has really been great and welcoming, and I’ve enjoyed being here,” she added.

The player elaborated on her early days at Bournemouth on the club’s website.

“I’ve played in several different countries for different clubs,” Thompson said. “The most important thing is having the backing from the club and we have that. As players, we need to take that on to the pitch.

“I’ve only just arrived and still have a lot of exploring to do, but I’ve enjoyed my time here so far. The climate could be better, but that’s all about adjusting and it’s not something I can’t handle.”

Previous experience of moving countries has aided in Thompson’s seamless transition to her new club.

“I’ve been moving about since I was 11, so it’s not the worst thing in the world for me,” she commented. “It’s always going to be an adjustment, but Bournemouth is a really nice place.

“For me, I was at a moment in my career where I needed a bit of a reset and something to look forward to in the future and this came up at literally the right time.

“We know the club wants to get to the top level and they have shown us they are going to give us the resources to do that.

“As players we have to help in any way we can on the pitch when they are helping us off the pitch.”

Thompson’s arrival on the South Coast came fresh on the heels of making her debut for the women’s national team in a 2-0 loss away to Dominican Republic in the Concacaf Women’s Gold Cup play-offs last month.

“It was a dream come true to finally represent my home,” she told The Royal Gazette.

“It was obviously difficult to take a defeat in such as important game, but everyone is looking forward to getting back and showing everyone just how good this team can be.”