AFCB did not play a very weakened team

Some times we forget at the very high standard that the current first team are setting. To expect those on the sidelines to come in and do equally as well is a hard ask, but we have seen against West Brom and Rotherham that the Cherries can do this. If Eddie Howe had played the usual league starters and AFCB had beaten Rotherham by more goals it would not have achieved as much for the club. The players that come in now have more confidence to take into training and the whole squad can enjoy the buzz of going through to the next round of the FA Cup.

Yann Kermorgant and Junior Stanislas were among the starters at Rotherham.

Shaun MacDonald will have been pleased to get a run out.

I am not sure Steve Evans was right when he said AFC Bournemouth could play any of three teams against Rotherham for the cup tie and still be the favourites, but the depth in the Cherries squad is really evident now. Shaun MacDonald and Eunan O'Kane were central figures in Bournemouth's promotion team to the Championship and even last season Eunan was a central pin in the side. Without that run in the team this season, both O'Kane and MacDonald could be excused for being a bit out of form, but this is such a professional group that they were determined to get AFCB through this tie. Those out of the team are working just as hard as those who have the shirts at the moment.

It is really pleasing though when those who are not playing regularly come in on cup games and play so well. It just proves that what is being done with the squad in training is really working well and is benefiting everyone. How this squad continues to develop will be very exciting.

Eddie looks set to keep his rotational theme going in the second half of the season and that could be important if injuries do come along. All the players know their jobs and are fully prepared to play their part in a promotion push, while taking the FA Cup very seriously.

What a great day for our travelling fans.