AFCB's team spirit was clearly evident at Elland Road

While Leeds came away with the points at Elland Road, it was AFCB that looked to most as by far the stronger outfit. There were times during the game when the Cherries played their beautiful football. Okay, in the first half they were really stretched when Leeds pushed hard after missing the penalty, but for much of the game it was the Cherries that were playing the clever football and with 10-men. 

Far from letting their heads go down, the team dug in with 10-men and probably deserved something out of the game. That team spirit though will see them do okay this season in my opinion. Teams that struggle don't fight like that. They don't pass the ball as well as that and they don't continue to play that well without picking up points.

As the game went on, Collison was heard more and more and when Surman entered the game he acted as the main pivotal spearhead for the team to work the ball around. Eddie Howe also pulled Grabban and Rantie to play closer to each other in the second half and in Grabban, AFCB certainly have a striker who is in great form.

Usually I feel pretty downhearted after a defeat, but I think I am starting to see where AFCB are in this league. You don't always beat those teams that you are better than, but in the course of the season you will probably end up with more points. The fight was there against Leeds and the players wanted to prove that they can be a match for anyone in the Championship. Good on them for showing how good they are. Now they need to recover quickly because the next match is not far away. 

Do read Damien's Hill's post earlier this week on his Leeds excursion if you have not already. It really gives you a perspective on what it is like to go on an away day with the AFCB supporters coach and there are some great pictures of Elland Road . I heard he did not get back home until gone 3am!