You can't blame Matt Ritchie for having a cheeky smile on his face after getting an equaliser for the Cherries against WBA. As possibly the smallest man on the pitch, the aerial ability of Matt is not something he is not something WBA will have feared, but his anticipation was superb and the Baggies will rue the fact that they could not cope with a simple long throw from Steve Cook into the box.
While AFCB are known for their wing play and swift movement from the back, Eddie Howe was just as delighted to see a goal that might be more typical of a Tony Pulis' side giving the Cherries a much needed point in this final home game. Sometimes the more basic moves can be just as effective in the last third at getting your side a goal and mixing it up is something that you don't often see from this Cherries side.
Although Matt Ritchie had only been on the pitch for a few minutes he was keen to get involved in any chance he might have around the box. Such desire is what AFCB were lacking at times during this match, especially in the first half. The extra running power of Wilson, King and Ritchie gives the side a far more dynamic look and that has been the secret in some games to get in behind teams and unsettle back lines. We also know that Ritchie hits the target regularly and if a chance had to fall to anybody, you'd kind of hope that Ritchie would be on the end it.
AFCB did not impress for 90 minutes again though and Eddie Howe knows he has much work to do this summer. In fact he may have to do even more than last summer to retain AFCB's top status next season. Next weekend he will have to pick a side that can cope with a Man Utd team that are playing for places in the FA Cup final and need a win to finish in the top four. Any half chance will need to be taken by the Cherries as they are unlikely to get many. Ritchie is one player that is certainly asking for a start though after his cameo against WBA.
I was pleased to see that Charlie Daniels was presented with the players' player award for AFCB last night at the Awards Evening.
All Departments' podcast is now out to describe the match against WBA. Visit All Departments' website to listen in.
Cherries Trust has been relaunched.
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| Steve Cook provides the long throw for Matt Ritchie despite having had a problem with his shoulder. |
Although Matt Ritchie had only been on the pitch for a few minutes he was keen to get involved in any chance he might have around the box. Such desire is what AFCB were lacking at times during this match, especially in the first half. The extra running power of Wilson, King and Ritchie gives the side a far more dynamic look and that has been the secret in some games to get in behind teams and unsettle back lines. We also know that Ritchie hits the target regularly and if a chance had to fall to anybody, you'd kind of hope that Ritchie would be on the end it.
AFCB did not impress for 90 minutes again though and Eddie Howe knows he has much work to do this summer. In fact he may have to do even more than last summer to retain AFCB's top status next season. Next weekend he will have to pick a side that can cope with a Man Utd team that are playing for places in the FA Cup final and need a win to finish in the top four. Any half chance will need to be taken by the Cherries as they are unlikely to get many. Ritchie is one player that is certainly asking for a start though after his cameo against WBA.
I was pleased to see that Charlie Daniels was presented with the players' player award for AFCB last night at the Awards Evening.
All Departments' podcast is now out to describe the match against WBA. Visit All Departments' website to listen in.
Cherries Trust has been relaunched.
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