Cherries can feel satisfied as home form picks up

It has not been an easy start to the season. The Cherries have not blown everyone away at Dean Court and yet you sense that the team has turned the corner of late and is now finding ways of winning at home. The match against Charlton was not the struggle that has been so evident in many of the other home matches this season. The team were without the talisman of Yann Kermorgant, and yet the players were hungry and energised in a way that gave the impression that they had no doubts that they would win this game.

There's plenty of things for Eddie Howe to be smiling about.

The satisfying point for me was that AFCB won the game having created many chances and not facing the last 20 minutes with all outfield players rooted to the defensive last third of the pitch in front of AFCB's goal. The game management that Eddie Howe so often talks about was carried out with more precision, and intelligence, and the home fans were in good voice, which I am sure helped the players to feel that they could go on to keep the clean sheet and win the game. 

For once I was not concerned that the Cherries could only score one goal. They came close to a second on a number of occasions and Charlton have not conceded many goals all season. AFCB kept going forward though even when the Addicks went three at the back with 12 minutes to go and put Bikey Amougou up front. Both Cook and Elphick defended without too many difficult moments on the day and with Boruc you know that there are not going to be any spills or lapses in concentration from him.

Having won against Wigan, Bolton and now Charlton, the team is closing in on the top teams and on hearing that much hard work has been carried out during the two week break, fans can feel satisfied that the Cherries are moving in the right direction.

The new All Departments' podcast is out now. Just scroll down the right side panel to the sound bar or visit All Departments' website to listen to the review of AFCB 1 v 0 Charlton.