AFCB's cushion is not as big as it was

It was a crazy weekend of results. Who would have thought that there would be wins for Yeovil Town, Millwall, Doncaster and Barnsley? That has really rearranged a few things down the bottom of the league with Charlton now suddenly looking vulnerable and the pressure already on Dougie Freedman's after Bolton's capitulation against Reading.

Heads down, boys let's keep ahead of the chasing teams.

But I want to know what does that 1:1 draw with Watford mean for the Cherries? I am of the mind that it was two points dropped despite a being a very good home performance. The gap to the bottom teams is not really widening and it is imperative that Eddie Howe can turn some of these draw and good performances into wins in the league.

While we have a week of for the FA Cup tie it is clear that AFCB are not consistent enough to challenge for the higher places this season. I believe most fans did not expect that any way. But it is important not to lose touch too early and with a gap of 10 points to the play-offs and just seven points to the relegation zone, AFCB have to stay competitive because the chasing teams are closing down the bottom. 

Blackpool and Leeds Utd have the worst form at present and yet they are both still above the Cherries, which shows you that this league is no supporter of reputations. Whether these teams keep descending on a downward spiral is perhaps unlikely, but AFCB have to take advantage of others slipping up around them by keeping the pressure on and picking up some wins. 

Whether that means having to spend some more cash this January is still in question. Eddie Howe may feel he has a good enough squad to avoid a points scramble at the end of the season, but he'll want at least another eight wins  as soon as possible. Hopefully that cushion is safely in place below the Cherries, as three teams will have a heavy landing come the first week in May!