Gillingham Verses AFCB

Pazz_AFCB has sent in his report...

The Cherries lined up with an unfamiliar line up, including three strikers. Stephen Purches started the game against the odds, as he was definitely a doubt. Connolly dropped to the bench, which left Young and Broadhurst as the centre halves. Hart was at left back, and to be fair put in much effort, but lacks the quality required to compete with the likes of Matty Jarvis.

The Cherries shaded the first half, occasionally playing some good football. Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu was causing problems, but Young was coping with his physical presence. Gillett was doing well, cutting in and whipping in some good crosses. The most positive aspect of the first half was definitely Sam Vokes' performance, the 17 year old showed skill, determination and strength whilst he was on the pitch. His hard work was repayed with a goal, when a long ball bounced over former Bournemouth player Ian Cox before Vokes rounded the keeper and slotted home confidently.

The second half was a lot more eventful, with good chances going either way. It was even until the 70the minute when Gillingham really started pressurising the Cherries back four, with Jarvis proving a threat. His pace and skill was too much for Hart. And only some outstanding saves from Neil Moss kept Gillingham at bay.

Midway through the second half, after some intelligent build up play from Pitman and Hart, Hollands had a glorious chance to increase the Cherries lead. Hart put in on a plate for him after a good run, and some how Hollands didn't score. A great save by the young Gillingham shot stopper. The ball was eventually cleared and the Bournemouth faithful were wondering how they weren't two up.

With 90 minutes gone, the fourth official indicated there would be four minutes of stoppage time, much to the disapproval of the Bournemouth management and fans. This instigated the Gills to attack once more, and a corner was forced. Croft's rose unmarked to power the header past Moss on the 93rd minute. I couldn't really tell who was at fault, but bad marking non the less.

The final whistle went, the team looked as gutted as the supporters that made the trip to Kent and they know we should have gone away with three points. The team were applauded off, down the tunnel and looked really gutted.

Blackpool is an even more important game now, and the Cherries need to win to pull away from the relegation zone. Cheltenham and Leyton Orient picked up good wins against tough opposition, which only makes the game even bigger.

Report by Pazz_AFCB

-x-Lucy-x- - Good day out, good atmosphere created, a much improved performance and a goal (!). So absolutely gutted about that injury time goal. I was so convinced that we were going to get all 3 points that it hasn't actually sunk in that we've only come away with 1. I really thought we had got that 1st win on the road. I hate last minute goals Would have taken a point on the way up there...but it's just so disappointing.

As soon as we started chucking defenders on I had a sneaky feeling it meant we were going to concede

Oh well....

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