Harry Arter – the real deal?

There was a rather special moment on Saturday in the 84th minute of the game, when up stepped a Mr Harry Arter on the left to run onto a simply set up free kick by Matt Ritchie, some seven yards from the edge of the MK Dons' box. He dipped his left shoulder and with a quick and low back lift, he struck the ball with his left foot and it flew straight into the top left corner of the goal. It is already being talked about as a candidate for goal of the season and although AFCB are the top goal scorers in the league it is hard to think of any better so far this season for the club.

Harry himself has amassed a total of six goals this season if the AFCB website is up to date. He is the top ranked midfielder in this respect as Marc Pugh is named as a striker by the club. Pugh has seven goals by the way.

While Arter has been seen as a bit of a loose cannon at times he seems to be learning his craft with more panaché and slightly better discipline this season. Sadly, Harry has still managed to pick up nine yellow cards and one red, but it is an improvement on last season when he had amassed 10 by Christmas. I feel he has become crucial to the club's promotion bid and was glad to see the Winter transfer window close with him remaining at AFCB.

There had been speculation of top tier teams like Fulham and West Ham casting their eye over the young 23 old. I am not sure that AFCB has many more gifted players, although Marc Pugh probably holds that crown. Still, Arter's role as play maker in the middle of the field is getting attention and not just from the Cherries fans.

I tweeted BBC Radio Solent only a couple of weeks ago stating that AFCB must hold onto Harry Arter if we are to challenge for the top places in the division this year. I was told that it would really depend on the price whether or not the club would sell him. Thankfully, no bids came in and the club didn't have that decision to make.

Over the summer it may of course be different. But if AFCB are to reach their goal this season of gaining promotion to the Championship, I for one will expect to see Mr Arter score a few more sweet left footed gems from outside the area next season.