Match Report
AFCB entertained Valencia at Dean Court on Wednesday night and the Spanish giants found that they had a lively Cherries team to contend with. Andrew Surman smashed a shot against the post after a strong run from Brad Smith in the first half, but it was the visitors who got the opening goal when Boruc was beaten on 39 minutes by a curling shot from Argentine Enzo Perez. Being just the one goal down at half time, AFCB had given a good account of themselves, although it appeared that the Spanish side were getting stronger and creating more as the match progressed. Valencia came out in the second half and did indeed push the Cherries back.However, AFCB may be showing signs that they will be harder to beat though this coming season after Benik Afobe brought the home side back into this game to earn a creditable draw.
AFCB 1 v 1 Valencia
3 August 2016
Attendance: 8107
AFCB entertained Valencia at Dean Court on Wednesday night and the Spanish giants found that they had a lively Cherries team to contend with. Andrew Surman smashed a shot against the post after a strong run from Brad Smith in the first half, but it was the visitors who got the opening goal when Boruc was beaten on 39 minutes by a curling shot from Argentine Enzo Perez. Being just the one goal down at half time, AFCB had given a good account of themselves, although it appeared that the Spanish side were getting stronger and creating more as the match progressed. Valencia came out in the second half and did indeed push the Cherries back.However, AFCB may be showing signs that they will be harder to beat though this coming season after Benik Afobe brought the home side back into this game to earn a creditable draw.
Eddie Howe could look at his team selection knowing that those who may need more recovery time could still play at the weekend now against SCO Angers. There were five changes from the Cardiff game. My interest was immediately taken to seeing Nathan Aké playing in midfield, while Benik Afobe was leading the line up front. importantly, Adam Smith was also able to get more valuable minutes on the pitch. It appears that Harry Arter is one who needs more recovery time, after his knock against Cardiff City, while Tyrone Mings and Ryan Fraser might be among those who get the nod to play at the weekend. The subs bench was stacked with Development squad players, but O'Kane and MacDonald were also given sub roles.
Given the news that AFCB were only beaten by one goal from an Argentine international midfielder it was a pretty good examination of the team's defence. Some more players may have now booked their place in Eddie's start XI. AFCB have come along way since the last Spanish side played at Dean Court, but some might have hoped for a bigger crowd than 8107 for such high profile opponents.
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| Benik was on target for the first time in pre-season. |
Match Tweets from AFC Bournemouth
01: Benik Afobe gets us underway for #afcb.
05: Free kick for #afcb on the right of the penalty area. @maxigr04del to take...
05: Great in-swinging delivery is met by Benik Afobe, but his header is guided just wide of the far post. Good chance.
15: First chance for the visitors as a corner from the left is met by Orban in the area, but the defender cannot keep his shot down.
17: Off the post! @bradsmith_94 gets to the left byline and cuts the ball back, but Surman's low drive bounces clear off the post.
19: Chance for the visitors. Gaya delivers a teasing ball into the area, but it's too far ahead of two attaching @valenciacf heads.
23: Chance for Afobe. He disposes the @valenciacf backline and fires an effort at goal, but it's blocked and put out for a throw in.
24: Ibe nutmegs one and then is fouled by the next @valenciacf defender. Free kick to #afcb just outside the penalty area.
39: Goal for @valenciacf! Enzo Perez cuts inside of the penalty area and curls one into Boruc's top left corner. 0-1.
45: Two minutes additional time to be played here at Vitality Stadium.
45: Just over from @valenciacf. Medran's free-kick is punched by Boruc and Orban heads the rebound over from close range.
HALF TIME: #afcb trail 1-0 to @valenciacf at the interval after a fine goal from Enzo Perez.
Second Half
45: The visitors get us back underway for the second half here at Vitality Stadium.
47: Great block from @SteveCook28! Cancelo bursts forwards and rifles one at goal, but Cook puts it behind for a corner.
ATTENDANCE: 8,107 here at Vitality Stadium this evening. Thank you all for your support!
63: Goal for #afcb! @maxigr04del cuts back to Francis who crosses from the right and Afobe drills it in from close range. 1-1.
64: Substitution for #afcb - @AdamSmith912 is replaced by Corey Jordan.
69: Just wide! It's Afobe again, assisted by Francis, but the striker's effort is deflected behind for a corner.
74: Second substitution for #afcb - @eunan10 comes on in place of Francis and Surman takes the armband.
74: @NathanAke is also making way and is replaced by @ShaunMac20.
80: Double substitution for #afcb. @IbeJordon and @lewiscook_ make way for Jordan Green and @mattbutcher11.
90: Three additional minutes to be played here at Vitality Stadium. Still 1-1.
FULL TIME: #afcb 1-1 @valenciacf. Benik Afobe's second-half strike ensures that the Cherries remain unbeaten in pre-season.
AFCB XI
Boruc, A.Smith, Francis, S.Cook, B.Smith, Ibe, Ake, Surman, L.Cook, Gradel, Afobe
Subs: Holmes, Lee, Jordan, Butcher, MacDonald, O'Kane, Green, Ndjoli, Surridge.
Subs: Holmes, Lee, Jordan, Butcher, MacDonald, O'Kane, Green, Ndjoli, Surridge.
Valencia XI
Ryan, Cancelo, Santos, Orban, Gayà, Javi Fuego, Enzo Pérez, Medrán, Rodrigo, Alcácer, Mina.
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