Momentum is more important than records for AFCB

Jonathan Woodgate is right in saying that Bournemouth needed the win against Burnley for momentum. It is great that history has been made, and the team has made it through to the sixth round of the FA Cup, but it is the win that really mattered.

AFCB have to attack the league now.

Bournemouth have to go on a winning run in the league if they are to make up ground. They have to get used again to winning and the clean sheet against Burnley was well earned. Bournemouth were lucky at times with Begovic having to make some saves and Rodriguez really should have scored in the second half. I think Bournemouth had a bit of luck which Woodgate said they would need.

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The positives include Ben Pearson, who looks like a fierce tackling machine, and he is a player that plays the simple ball rather than over-complicating things, which should help Bournemouth retain possession better in the middle of the park. When Lewis Cook came on, he stopped some of Burnley's forward runs and Billing had probably one of the best games he has had in a Bournemouth shirt against Burnley.

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It will be interesting to see if Surridge is given more time under Woodgate than he got under Tindall. Shane Long is available for the match against Nottingham Forest and Woodgate could play two up front, but the team has played one striker with two wide men for quite some time now. Surridge did so well against Burnley that it would be a bit harsh to drop him, while Long has more experience, so it will be a tough call for Woodgate. 

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At the end of the day, to progress in the cup is a great bonus but it's the league games that Bournemouth have to really concentrate on and Woodgate seems fully aware of that. if Bournemouth lose to Forest then a lot of the good work that has been done since Tindall left the club will be peeled back, which would be a shame. So, let's hope the focus that Woodgate has rubs off on the players which I think it will.

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Bournemouth reach sixth round of FA Cup beating Burnley 0-2

Wilshere scores first goal for Bournemouth in 2-1 cup win over Crawley

Match report

FA Cup Fourth round

AFCB 2 v 1 Crawley Town

26 January 2021

Bournemouth get back to winning ways.

Jack Wilshere scored his first goal for Bournemouth in the first half to put the Cherries in control, against Crawley but a second-half equaliser from Tom Nichols made it an intriguing cup tie. Bournemouth slipped back ahead with a Josh King goal that was just enough to get them a ticket through to the next round away at Burnley.

Bournemouth took Crawley very seriously after their conquering of Leeds United and named a strong team. There were only four changes, Jack Wilshere, Arnaut Danjuma, Philip Billing and Lloyd Kelly started. The players taken out were Adam Smith, Josh Solanke, Jefferson Lerma and Cameron Carter-Vickers. It looked like the Cherries really wanted to progress to the next round.

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Bournemouth got Wilshere on the ball and the first corner came after five minutes. Steve Cook headed wide after Rico had followed the corner with a cross.

Billing made a chance for Danjuma shortly after from range, but Morris made a save in the bottom left corner. Bournemouth stepped up their efforts with another corner when Philip Billing's header hit the post. 

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Crawley's first shot came from Nadesan who forced Begovic into a save on 11 minutes. Lewis Cook saw an effort go over as Bournemouth kept regained possession. Rico then missed a half chance following Danjuma's pass. Bournemouth continued to shoot on sight with Brooks firing over.

The goal finally came when Jack Wilshere shot from outside the box having taken the ball from King's clever back heel. The shot flew in the bottom corner. Luton were guilty of giving Bournemouth far too much space. Wilshere's finish was so calmly taken with his left foot from the edge of the D.

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Tsaroulla was subbed for Josh Wright. Bournemouth kept up the pressure with Brooks shooting wide of the left post. Brooks also saw a further chance go wide following a corner.

The second half began with Adebowale being carded for a foul on Danjuma. Steve Cook was doing his best to get on the score sheet putting another header in the danger area from a cross from Rico. Jack Wilshere couldn't convert the flick from Cook as Morris made a great save.

Danjuma then smashed a shot wide. No shortage of effort, but Bournemouth needed to keep testing the keeper. Crawley subbed Adebowale for Sesay. Josh King hit a shot on target, but there was not enough power.

Begovic makes a mistake and gifts the ball to Nichols but the keeper makes the save for a corner. Bournemouth escaped there.

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Nichols and Nadesan received yellow cards. Crawley then got level with Tom Nichols scoring from close range. Danjuma picked out Wilshere but the shot was weak and the keeper saved.

Bournemouth struck again when Josh King put the Cherries 2-1 up on 66 minutes. Danjuma raided the penalty box and found King who stroked it into the bottom corner 2-1.

Bournemouth subbed Billing, Wilshere and Stacey to bring on Solanke, Smith and Lerma on 67 minutes. Smith hits a shot well but Morris saves.

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Rodari is on for Matthews. Brooks has another attempt from 25-yards that is saved. Riquelme replaces Danjuma. Josh King gets a good shot away but the keeper saves. Into the last 20 minutes. Surridge is on for King.

McNerney has a header saved. Lerma has been booked. Rico finds Brooks and his shot goes narrowly over. Kelly is booked. Riquelme has a shot blocked.

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Summary
A solid performance by AFCB. They worked the keeper but will probably be thinking that they should have been a bit sharper in front of goal. Still, there wasn't a great deal for Begovic to do and it's clear that Wilshere is a massive addition to the team. This result will have boosted the confidence and they won't get carried away having seen Crawley also get on the score sheet,

AFCB lineup

AFCB Subs: Dennis, Carter-Vickers, Smith, Kilkenny, Lerma, Riquelme, Anthony, Surridge, Solanke

Crawley Town: 1 Morris, 17 Adebowale (Sesay 51), 19 Tunnicliffe, 5 McNerney,
6 Dallison-Lisbon, 20 Matthews (Rodari 69), 39 Hessenthaler, 8 Powell, 25 Tsaroulla (29 Wright), 10 Nadesan, 16 Nichols

Crawley Subs: 18 Sesay, 21 Bulman, 27 Khaleel, 28 Kowalczyk, 30 Wright, 35 Rodari, 37 Nelson, 38 Tilley, 44 Wright

Previous post on Cherry Chimes - Crawley - a great game for Wilshere to step up

Crawley - a great game for Wilshere to step up?

Listening to the pre-match press conference from Jason Tindall, TalkSports the Ian Abrahams was clear that he felt Jack Wilshere should start for AFCB against Crawley. I wonder if Jason might even give Jack the captaincy if he plays a very youthful team against Crawley.

Jack is about to extend his AFCB career file.

There are no shortage of players for Tndall to pick for in this game. Wilshere comes to mind as he hasn't had hardly any minutes, and he needs to get up to speed if he is going to help Bournemouth get out of the Championship. It might be even more interesting to see who Jack is paired with. It may well be Philip Billing who had a bit of an argument over hist fitness with Tindall last week. Whether that has annoyed Tindall further, or whether he gives Philip the go-ahead we will have to wait and see. Dan Gosling has done nothing wrong and might be the preferred option in any case.

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It may be that Rodriguez Riquelme is given an opportunity, as we haven't seen him start too many games, and last time he started I believe he was subbed at half-time. Danjuma has also been short of games of late and he could be the big weapon against Crawley, although Gavin Kilkenny also deserves a run out at some point.

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At the back, we could see Chris Mepham make his return to the team having been injured for the last month. I would like to see Mepham lay with Cameron Carter-Vickers in a centre-back pairing. Bournemouth have looked a bit unstable in a three at the back formation so perhaps Tindall will go back to 4-4-2 for this game.

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It should be another opportunity for Will Dennis to show how he is doing in goal and Begivic deserves a break to be fair. The striker role will surely be led by Sam Surridge and maybe Jaidon Anthony will also be given a go. I don't mind Tindall taking risks in the cup, but if a player plays really well then they should be given a chance to play in the Championship. After all, AFCB have not been doing that well in the league and it will give a reminder to a few others if they find they have been replaced for not performing.

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Previous post on Cherry Chimes -Will Crawley be a stern FA Cup test for the Cherries?

Surridge is hyped for Oldham reunion

Sam Surridge had a long loan spell at Oldham Athletic and did rather well in netting eight goals in 15 games during the 2018-19 season. It really put Sam Surridge on the map as a player that could do well at a higher level, and he secured a loan spell at Swansea City on the back of it. Now he might well lead the Cherries as the main striker in a cup tie that Bournemouth are keen to progress in.

Sam Surridge is set for striking Oldham out of the FA Cup.

While Sam has had to fight hard to get time on the pitch for Bournemouth this season, there is no doubting his quality from what I have seen. He is a natural goalscorer and has a knack for timing his runs exceptionally well. Jason Tindall probably wanted to play Josh King and Dominic Solanke more often than not this season but, Sam has done well when he has come in and fully deserves his place in the team now.

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Whether Sam gets his start against Oldham we will have to wait and see, but I'd expect him to start and or Bournemouth to play two upfront. It may be that Dominic Solanke starts with Sam but there could well be an opportunity for Jaidon Anthony to come on. Jake Scrimshaw played for Walsall in the first round against Bristol Rovers, so I would expect him to be ruled out of this game. Infact, the club has just announced he has signed for Newport County on loan. 

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We may see Jordan Zemura, Nnamdi Ofoborh and Rodrigo Riquelme. Jason Tindall needs to see if some of these players are making progress and it will be a good opportunity for them. But also it will be a handy game perhaps to see Dan Gosling and Arnaut Danjuma back in action. There may be a couple of regular starters who are also just up for the cup, and Jason should put a few experienced heads in if he wants to make sure he can win the game.

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Moving the game to Dean Court does make it a bit easier to negotiate, but Bournemouth have to play well if they are going to be at club that knows every penny it makes in the cup will make life easier for them, and give them more chance to bring in better players in the future.

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Previous post in Cherry Chimes - Oldham have cup pedigree

Arsenal punish AFCB in a first half FA Cup masterclass

Match Report

FA Cup Fourth Round

AFCB 1 v 2 Arsenal

Attendance: 10,308

Slow starters - AFCB find it hard to get into the game with Arsenal.

Bournemouth quickly found themselves behind after a fluent run by Willock who coasted inside and found Martenelli and Saka finished smartly into the roof of the net. A second was added by Nkeitah before half an hour, and Bournemouth were struggling just to get a sight of the ball. Bournemouth managed a late rally and the second half was a more even contest. Simon Francis put Sam Surridge in for his first Bournemouth goal on 90+4 minutes, but it was not enough to stop Arsenal progressing.

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Both clubs had the knowledge that they would play Portsmouth away in the next round if they got through the tie. Bournemouth lined up with Mark Travers in goal and Steve Cook and Jack Simpson coming into the back four. Lewis Cook, Dan Gosling and Andrew Surman came into midfield, while on the bench was U18 player Brooklyn Geneseni, who plays at right back.

Match Description The Cherries started with some good early pressing led by Fraser. Arsenal soon had the lion's share of possession.

Willock on the right came in and found Martenlli and Saka smashed a shot in to the roof of the net at Travers near post on five minutes. Arsenal made a good overlap and the finish was hit so hard that Travers had little chance of making a save.

Aké has to put the ball out for an Arsenal corner. Adam Smith come s away with the ball. Saka under hits a back pass but Soalnke can't get on to it in time. Solanke does well but over hits the pass to Fraser.

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Solanke and  Guendouzi gets hit in the face and goes down in the box.  Guendouzi fouls Gosling. Belllerin clears. Adam Smith crosses but Mustafi clears ahead of Solanke.

Steve Cook has to get a defensive header in and  Guendouzi fouls Fraser. Surman does ell to break up an Arsenal move.

Bournemouth are finding it hard to win the battles. Willock does well to go past Gosling and Aké but Travers makes a save at his near post on 19 minutes.

Martenelli blazes over from range. Arsenal are dominating possession. Most of the play is just inside the Bournemouth half.

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Saka makes a run down the left and a cross low along the floor reaches  its a tap in for Nketiah who runs off Simpson to make it 0-2 on 26 minutes. VAR check still results in a goal.

Pepe gets on a run and puts a shot into the side netting. Martenelli gets in down the left and Aké puts it out for a corner. Bellerin puts in a good cross. The ball just keeps coming back to an Arsenal layer.

Arsenal can take their time. Fraser puts a good cross in from the left but Harry Wilson's shot s saved by Leno. It was a strong volley, but Leno got down well at his near post.

Harry Wilson puts in a cross and Gosling heads over, perhaps off his shoulder. Simpson and Fraser combine up the left. The Cherries have started to pick up their play as half0-time approaches. Simpson pulls the ball back but Xhaka intercepts the ball to Lewis Cook.

It's the width that Arsenal have been playing with that has caused the problems for Bournemouth.

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Fraser picks up a loose ball and links with Solanke, but then shoots well wide.

Sokratis puts the ball out for a corner ahead of Gosling. Two minutes are added. Harry Wilson s carded fro a fouled on Nketiah.

AFCB Possession 37 per cent, three shots, one shot on target, one corner and three fouls
Arsenal possession 63 per cent, six shots, three on target, two corners and four fouls.

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Second Half
Arsenal win an early corner but Willock hits his shot over. The referee stops the game for Martinelli. Lewis Cook wins a free kick. Gosling and Guendouzi are getting in a tangle.

The cross comes in and Simpson goes down, but is out to Harry Wilson and he puts it back in but it's cleared. No penalty for a VAR check on Simpson going down.

Lewis Cook is chopped by  Guendouzi,. Solanke gets in between the keeper and Mustafi and a Fraser header goes over. Mustafi is stretchered off for Rob Holding on 62 minutes.

Fraser puts in a big tackle on Bellerin. Adam Smith wins a corner, which is cleared and Pepe against Smith is a close run thing, but Adam Smith wins it. Simpson drives a cross in and gets a corner. Simpson with the header and it's just wide!

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Bournemouth are much more at it this half. Pepe is subbed on 69 minutes for Ceballos. Willock wins a corner. Bournemouth can't get more than two of three passes  going. Callum Wilson and Simon Francis are looking to get on.

The ball is going out. Arsenal keep rotating possession. Finally the ball is put out. Bellerin has hurt his rib going for a ball with Simpson. harry Wilson is off for Callum Wilson and Jack Simpson is off for Simon Francis on 76 minutes.

Steve Cook's back pass goes past the near post with Travers stumbling. Arsenal corner. Solanke almost gets in, but Xhaka keeps him out. Gosling shapes for a shot but it's over the bar off a defender. Sokratis and Steve Cook go down.

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Aké has to get across to stop Saka on an Arsenal break. Saka now gets a corner. Sam Surridge is coming on for Solanke on 89 minutes.

Eight minutes of added time go up. Arsenal sub Willock for Maitland-Niles on 90+2 minutes. Guendouzi has a rising shot. Francis puts a ball in the box and Sam Surridge has put t in the net 1-2.  Nicely finished off his left and on to his right foot. He showed great strength. VAR check, it's a goal.

Four minutes of added time to go. Surridge is booked for a foul on Guendouzi. Fraser puts the ball in the keeper punches with Adam Smith in there, and Lewis Cook spoons his shot over.

Summary
A hard fought game. Bournemouth just couldn't get enough possession to do much harm. The match might have been a good work out in terms of defending and being without the ball. The Cherries will need to create more though against teams in the Premier League. There was a marked improvement second half, but the damage had been done. The cup is perhaps a distraction this season though for Bournemouth. Sam Surrdige will remember the game for ever and his first Bournemouth goal will be something he'll always treasure.

AFCB Ratings
Travers 6, A Smith 5, S Cook 6, Aké 6, Simpson 7, H Wilson 5, Surman 5, Gosling 6, L Cook 5, Fraser 6, Solanke 6

AFCB line up - Surridge was also carded.

AFCB Subs: 12 Ramsdale, 2 Francis, 60 Genesini,
29 Billing, 44 Surridge, 54 Dobre, 13 C Wilson . 

Cherry Chimes' MoM: Jack Simpson

Referee Watch: Martin Atkinson: 4/10 - some unusual stoppages of play

Arsenal
26 Martínez, 2 Bellerín, 20 Mustafi (Holding 62), 5 Sokratis, 77 Saka, 29 Guendouzi,
34 Xhaka, 19 Pépé (Ceballos 69), 28 Willock (Maitland-Niles 90+2), 35 Martinelli, 30 Nketiah

Arsenal Subs
1 Leno, 8 Ceballos, 9 Lacazette, 10 Özil, 11 Torreira, 15 Maitland-Niles, 16 Holding

Can Solanke keep scoring?

It has been a long and painful road to see Dominic Solanke get his first competitive goal for AFCB. It wasn't a great goal, but the fact that he has ended the draught can only be good for his confidence and for the team. Solanke knows that he can score for this team and he can take that into the next game, whereas he was probably doubting himself having gone 38 appearances I believe without hitting the back of the net.

Solanke has to score regularly now.

Goal scorers often do go on a run of goals after a barren spell. It could be that Solanke feels freer to take more risks now and be a little more selfish in front of goal. In order to score you need to believe that it's going to run for you and that if there is an opportunity you are determined to make it count. Solanke's mindset should have changed now. He can start a new leaf and take 2020 as a new year with plenty of opportunity to restart his AFCB career.

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While Eddie Howe says Solanke has been a benefit to the way he wants AFCB to play, the team has not been functioning as a whole and if the Solanke part is fixed, then it's one less piece of the jigsaw that needed to be sorted for AFCB to become a better team. It is important though that Solanke believes that he is fixed and that he can be the striker he wants to be. I don't think we have seen anything like the player that Solanke believes he can be and it will be intriguing to see how he attacks games from now on.

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We saw Solanke get into goal scoring positions when both Stanislas and then when Callum Wilson were on the pitch against Luton. Solanke kept on making runs and getting in the box. As long as he keeps looking to make space for himself in the last third, then he has a chance of adding to his goal. But he has to find a way of playing well with Callum Wilson if he really wants to ensure he gets a regular starting place and he won't have long to make an impression, before a fully fit Josh King wants to get back into the starting line up.

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A fourth round home draw against 13 times FA Cup winners for the Cherries

It's Bournemouth v Arsenal

The live Draw on BBC One saw AFCB get drawn at home against Arsenal or Leeds United - the live match last evening. Either team would have been a great occasion, but it's Arsenal and Mikel Arteta that will be revisiting Dean Court between 24-27 January 2020.
It is hard to see Bournemouth naming a complete first team for the game with the match coming at an important time, when Bournemouth will still be looking to get away from the foot of the Premier League, or making sure they are putting distance between themselves and the bottom positions. Arsenal drew at Dean Court in December 1-1 but were behind for much of the match, so Bournemouth will at least be confident that they can hurt the Gunners, even if there will be many more Arsenal supporters at the game than when the two teams last met.

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The importance of the FA Cup has always been stressed by Eddie Howe, but the onus may not be on progression this season. The team selection is going to be revealing and while Bournemouth needed a boost in the third round, it is hoped that AFCB will have had a good January and may well be seeking to replace a few players at the end of the month.

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To beat Arsenal though in the FA Cup would be one of the biggest results for the Cherries in their FA Cup history, and if they did get through the tie they would be looking favourably on another home draw to have the best opportunity to get from the last 16 into the last eight.

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How seriously Arsenal take the game also has to be considered. They will know that European football is something that is not going to be easy from their league position and a cup win could be their best chance. Arsenal are the record holders for the most FA Cup wins at 13 and it is a competition they tend to take seriously.

In other news
Cherry Chimes spoke to The Score for an article about Eddie Howe last week.

Half-term Guardian/Observer Report on AFC Bournemouth

AFCB fans back Eddie

Eddie Howe can finally be pleased with a week's work.

The end scenes after the FA Cup win over Luton Town meant an awful lot for the fans and for Eddie Howe. The connection was reaffirmed that the fans want Eddie and want him to do well and leave the club to safety in the league. It was a big moment in AFCB's season and a bit of forgiveness on both sides in those moments, so that the team can now finally kick on again.

Nobody likes criticism and Eddie Howe and the players have taken a lot of it in the days following the defeats at Brighton and West Ham. The Luton game provided an opportunity for everyone to put the league problems behind them for a moment and just concentrate on playing well. The game was by no means perfect. Luton should have got on the score sheet a couple of times, but the passion and the effort as well as some quality started to flow back through the football veins of the Cherries. Now the players need to remember that feeling to exact further punishment on the teams they have to play next.

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While the thought of the management not doing well enough in games had hit fans hard, there is a deeper feeling that the fans don't want this relationship to end. We would find it hard to see anyone else leading AFCB, and there is so much more for Eddie and Jason to achieve with the fans at AFCB. If the club can get over this torrid season and retain their Premier League status, it could be the springboard to a special period when the club does go up another level and tries to enjoy its Premier League status even more.

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We have to support the team to do well now and remind them constantly how much we want them to do well and climb the league. If that filters through to the players then AFCB have a good chance of beating the drop, but we must be united and push on from here. Bournemouth can't afford not to pick up the form now after this win.

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Meanwhile, the Bournemouth Echo has reported that AFCB have been linked with Tino Kadewere of Le Harve.

Top Billing for Cherries in FA Cup win

Match Report

AFCB 4 v 0 Luton Town

FA Cup Third Round

4 January 2020

Attendance: 10,064

Bournemouth regain some pride with a strong FA Cup win.

This was a match that many fans thought Bournemouth didn't need, but it ended up being very good medicine. The Cherries finally found some form and with Philip Billing getting his first two goals for the club and Dominic Solanke getting his first competitive goal for the club. It was also a return to goal scoring form for Callum Wilson who netted for the first time since September. Luton Town did miss a penalty, but were never really able to repel Bournemouth's possession and dominance. Bournemouth will be ball number 14 in the next round.

The teams come onto the pitch.

Eddie Howe named a stronger side than expected with Billing, Solanke Harry Wilson and Ryan Fraser all getting starts. Callum Wilson and Sam Surridge were on the bench along with a well strapped up Jefferson Lerma.

Both sets of players stand with mental health awareness campaign.

Match Description
Francis won a corner in the first minute. Diego Rico then put Dominic Solanke in but his shot was turned round the post by the for a second corner. Solanke had looked on to score. 

Mepham tried to pick Fraser out but just over hit his pass. Rico then got down the outside and Harry Wilson shot over. Fraser added a third Bournemouth corner in an impressive opening few minutes for the home team.

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Fraser crossed for Solanke but the header was not strong enough and was misdirected. Diego Rico goes down the left again, picks out Billing and he volleys it down and into the back of the net 1-0 on eight minutes. A great star for Bournemouth.

Sheehan takes the first shot for Luton but hits it well over.

Surman is getting time on the ball and is picking out some good passes. Francis wins a corner on 15 minutes. Solanke heads it in 2-0. There is a VAR check no goal. It looked like Harry Wilson was standing on an offside position near the keeper. It has been disallowed, which is a pity for Dominic Solanke who still awaits a first goal for Bournemouth.

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Rico works another corner which the keeper collects. Billing has misplaced a pass and Cornick is through against Mark Travers, but the keeper saves and Mepham clears. Mepham is injured but after treatment is okay to continue.

Solanke gets up the left but Billing has his shot blocked.

Sheehan was fouled but the free kick is right down Travers' throat. Simpson gets hold of Cornick. before Harry Wilson tackles Sheehan. Butterfield then has a shot over from outside the box.

Harry Wilson wins a free kick. Fraser whips it on but its well defended. A cross from the right is brought down by Lee, but his shot rises over the goal.

Fraser wins a corner. Cornick runs at the Bournemouth defenders, but is stopped on half way.

Fraser chips in a good ball. Luton may have a hand ball against them from a pass from Billing but it's just a corner.

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Rico's cross is saved. There is a coming together - Billing is involved and is booked as is Jones. Fraser is fouled on the corner, and it's punched out by the keeper to Stanislas and deflects for a corner.

Four added minutes are held up. Billing and Fraser don't find enough space to get a shot away.

Harry Wilson gets in but the keeper blocks for a corner. Harry Cornick then wins a corner for Luton. Pearson goes down in the box with his foot getting trodden on by Billing - penalty! VAR check.

Penalty. Sheehan hits the bar from the spot. Harry Wilson goes down in the follow up.

Bournemouth survive a late scare at the end of the first half to go in 1-0 up.

Second half
Fraser puts in a cross that Billing hits but is blocked. Fraser to Rico and the cross is out for a corner.
The corner goes over Solanke and Harry Wilson fires it just wide of the right post.

Luton have a fee kick. Fraser kicks it and Lee fires over.

Solanke passes through to Stanislas but he's lifted it over. Lee goes for goal from a long way out but the curling shot is over hit by a whisker.

Harry Wilson goes for goal after a Luton throw but by the keeper saves to his left. Bournemouth have a corner but lose it by taking it short. Billing shoots wide after a long build up. Fraser shoots, but hits one of his own players.

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Fraser is caught offside. Stanislas is subbed for Callum Wilson on 66 minutes.

Pearson makes a mistake and Harry Wilson is on it and the pass to Callum and its 2-0 on 68 minutes. Luton sub Butterfield for Berry and Moncur for Bolton.

Fraser almost gets in but the keeper comes out. Billing has a shot blocked by Pearson. Sheehan is subbed for Bree and Rico is replaced by Steve Cook on 78 minutes.

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Harry Wilson crosses to Philip Billing and his shot deflects in off Daniels for 3-0 on 79 minutes. Francis is subbed for Dobre.

Callum Wilson crosses from the left and its broken for Solanke who has scored! It dribbled over the line but its in 4-0 on the 80th minute.

Simpson almost gets on the end of a Francis cross. Dobre wins a corner. Billing doesn't shoot, much to the home fans' disappointment. One minute of added time.

A big scoreline and some confidence restored.

Summary

A very welcome win for Bournemouth. Eddie Howe can be very pleased to finally get a result, even if it is in the cup rather than the league. The pleasing thing is players that needed to score did and the team kept a clean sheet. Luton might not have been stiff competition, but Bournemouth found their rhythm to some extent which has been absent for a while. Billing was the central figure in the game, sometimes making mistakes but ultimately coming up with the goals to get Bournemouth through the tie. Dominic Solanke will also remember the game fondly having had a goal chalked off and then finally breaking his duck just before the end. We can only hope it is the start of many more goals for AFCB.

AFCB line up

AFCB Subs: Ramsdale, S Cook, Lerma, Kilkenny, Dobre, C Wilson, Surridge

Luton Town
12 Simon Sluga, 6 Matthew Pearson, 28 Lloyd Jones, 44 Alan Sheehan (Bree 77), 11 Andrew Shinnie, 29 Jacob Butterfield (Berry 68), 33 D Daniels, 16 G Rea, 20 George Moncur (Bolton 68), 10 Elliot Lee, 14 Harry Cornick.

Luton Subs
4 Ryan Tuncliffe, 8 Luke Berry, 26 J Bree, 22 Luke Bolton, 19 James Collins,
25 Kazenga Lua Lua, 36 James Shea

Ref Watch: Darren England - 5/10 Not sure why there was not more time added at the end of the second half after several VAR delays and subs.

Cherry Chimes MoM: Philip Billing

AFCB Ratings: Travers 6, Francis 6, Mepham 6, Simpson 6, Rico 7, H Wilson 6, Surman 6, Billing 7, Fraser 6, Stanislas 5, Solanke 6.