Rotation is not always helpful for AFCB

As expected, Eddie Howe made the changes he felt were needed to keep the first team players rested and give valuable minutes to players who needed game time at Burton Albion. The problem was that AFCB are now big fish and the Brewers would see this game as their cup final, even if it was only in front of 2500 fans.

A bad night at the office 

The fact that the lights went out is quite fitting. Bournemouth's game faded out if you like before it had started with Burton Albion scoring as early as the 15th minute. AFCB can make excuses about the lights failing and it disrupting place, but on the evidence of the first half Burton were well worth their lead at half time and Travers was the busier of the two keepers by some distance.

The hook was going to come out for somebody and it was Gavin Kilkenny who made way at half time for Harry Wilson. With hardly a shot on goal, AFCB needed some creativity. It didn't come.

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Whether AFCB's hearts were in it by this stage is hard to tell. The game had been interrupted several ties for the floodlight failure and it wasn't sure if the game was going to continue. But play did resume and it was Burton who fashioned a second goal on 73 minutes.

Eddie Howe has said before that he would look at such cup games and take them seriously against lower opposition, but to make so many changes is difficult. Bournemouth just don't have the kind of squad that can get away with it when they come up against a determined lower league team. For once, Eddie looked lost for words about what had happened on AFCB TV. He'll have to plan for something better against West Ham United.