Can AFCB shake off Watford?

There has been many teams that the Cherries have had grudges with over the years and I suppose the annoyance with Watford is a fairly new rivalry that built up following the first time AFCB played them at Vicarage Road in the Championship three seasons ago. That day the Cherries were humbled by a 6-1 thrashing and yet the score at half time was only 1-1. It left a footnote though in the minds of our players that played in that game that they had to be on it for 90 minutes or they would be punished by teams in the Championship. Now that both teams are in the Premier League it would be very pleasing if the Cherries could redress the balance.

Watford have had a great start to the season, but let's hope
 the Cherries can set them back a bit on Saturday. 

Watford have had less fortune against the Cherries in more recent times with a draw at Vicarage Road last season when Harry Arter scored a belter and a 2-0 defeat at Dean Court when they had 10 men after just 28 seconds. I doubt fate will be quite as generous to AFCB in the next encounter. But it is because of such an incident when Gabriele Angella was sent off in that match that Watford's loyal following feel they have cause to dislike the Cherries and that probably reached fever pitch for some when AFCB pipped them to the Championship title last season in the last game.

So there is history in these games even though it is only in recent seasons that it has built up. But if you stand back a bit and look at the two teams they both play some fantastic football that has made the fans of both clubs have plenty to cheer about as both have had some wonderful results in the last few years. I'm looking forward to the game not as a sequel to last season's Championship run-in, but as a match where two of the best teams from last season's Championship have tried to add more quality to their play. Both teams have some great players so let's enjoy what they serve up. Oh, and let it be an AFCB win! UTCIAD!

It is great to hear that the MatchDay programme will be dedicated to the memory of Mick Cunningham who sadly passed away last weekend. I'm sure everyone will join in with the applause on 55 minutes of the game. 

Make sure you sne din your Match score predictions on Twitter to @peterbell19

The Cherries were never overly stretched at the back by Hornets

With Watford basically playing the whole of the match with 10 men they were always up against it to take the game to AFCB. That they did for some moments of the game is testament to the fact that Watford are no easy push overs even when a man light. Their attackers and midfield players had to put in a big shift and with Bournemouth's passing style they simply found that chasing the ball for 90 minutes was a tiring task.

The possession that AFCB enjoyed was not easily obtained. In the first half Watford tried to press as much as they could but the width that the Cherries play with seemed key to getting the victory. How many times did we see cross ball from Ritchie to Pugh or from Cook to Ritchie? The speed and movement of the passing was too much in the end for the Hornets and I don't think 2-0 flattered the Cherries.

AFCB's defenders were a closed shop against Watford.

Considering Watford only managed one shot on target, AFCB could not have played much better than that. I know the first half was difficult and Troy Deeney was a handful taking on three of our players at once on some occasions but Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook kept him and Odion Ighalo quiet for most of the game. I also felt the dismissal of Gabriele Angella was important from the set piece point of view as Watford rely on Angella to get his head to a lot of corners and that threat was simply removed from the start.

While Artur Boruc did not have a lot to do it was his nervy kicking that had many fans a bit worried at the start of the match. It was noticeable that he changed to throwing for distributing the ball from the back and the couple of misplaced passes he made to the left side of the field were soon put behind everyone. Artur will simply say it was another clean sheet and you can't really argue with that.

The Cherries are back on it

I had a good chat to quite a few fans before the Watford game to see what opinions were like among the home fans. Most of them were very unsure that AFCB would come out on top against Watford and I must admit that I did not want to give a pre-match score prediction until pressed (I went for a 2-1 home win if you want to know). That was somewhat to do with how well Watford had played in their last game and knowing that AFCB have not really turned it on at home for some time, but the Cherries were back on it last night.

It's good to get back to winning ways.

The match was rather overshadowed by the Angella sending off in the first minute, but it took AFCB some 35 minutes to get the lead, which underlines what a strong side Watford are to me. It was not all one-way traffic either. Watford had some half chances and Troy Deeney looked every much a quality striker in holding up the ball and running at AFCB's defence.

I have not heard too many protests about the penalty. Callum Wilson was equally as troublesome in Watford's box and I felt he upped his performance on the night. It is what AFCB needed and once Kermorgant had struck the penalty home to dispel his demons. That settled the whole team's nerves and I was not in much doubt that AFCB would go on to win the game then, even if Watford had shown that they can come from 2-0 down against a struggling side last week. This was AFCB at home though on quite a different proposition.

Some of the play in the second half was mesmerising and I was pleased, because I don't feel the home crowds have been treated to that so often as the away supporters. The Cherries were again back to their best at cutting through a team and the possession and shots on target really show that AFCB never stopped pressing. "It was a professional performance," said Eddie Howe. 



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Angella turns redder than table topping Cherries in under a minute: 2-0

Match Report

AFCB 2 v 0 Watford

30 January 2015

Attendance: 10,904

Watford players about to take on AFCB and Tommy Elphcik before the coin toss.

The cameras certainly got a quick story at Dean Court last night. While it is rare to see a red card offence in the first minute of a game, Gabriele Angella probably wished he hadn't even walked out on the pitch. He was so caught out by Callum Wilson turn of speed that the referee decided that a red card was coming his way. A goal scoring opportunity denied? High feet? I'm not so sure but you are always pleased when the opposition go down to 10 men. It was just the confidence booster the Cherries needed and with Callum Wilson proving impossible to shackle, it was no surprise that Craig Cathcart made one lunge too many and conceded a penalty in the 34th minute and Yann Kermorgant smashed home the kick to give AFCB the lead. It was a lead they doubled in the second half when Matt Ritchie lashed home a ball  that fell to him on the right side of the penalty box and the Cherries had reasserted their dominance at the top of the table with a solid win over one of their promotion rivals.

The cameras are in place.

The flags are being waved.

And the teams are out.

More pictures around the stadium are up now on Match Day Gallery.

After the cup defeat against Aston Villa, AFCB fans expected lots of change and indeed there were but if compared with the last league game against Leeds the only change was Yann Kermorgant coming in for Brett Pitman who sat on the bench. Watford made two changes from their last game against Blackpool with Parades and Vydra dropped to the bench while Watson and Munari started for them.

Choosing ends.

Watford get ready.

The cameras buzz around AFCB.

All the main excitement came in that first minute when Callum Wilson was sent a through ball from Yann Kermorgant who had robbed Daniel Tozser in possession and Angella went in on Wilson and was undoubtedly adjudged to be Watford's last man, although Cathcart looked pretty much level with the incident when it happened. Referee Lee Probert perhaps just viewed it as a goal scoring opportunity prevented by a reckless challenge. Even though the home crowd were yelling "off, off, off!", I was still surprised to see a red card, but mightily pleased. Angella walked off extremely unhappy with the decision and kicked something in front of the dugout in frustration. 

AFCB could not make anymore from the incident though as the free kick from Kermorgant was deflected out for a corner. Watford reshuffled a bit to have a back four of with Cathcart and Hoban as the centre back pairing. Bournemouth did not settle though and Boruc made a couple of shaky clearances while Marc Pugh was losing the ball too often on the left wing. Watford had regrouped well and Odion Ighalo soon saw his first shot get blocked after he had won the first corner.

At the other end Heurelho Gomes came flying out of his goal to push away a cross from the right wing which would have seen Pugh in on goal if he had not made some kind of contact. This was the Championship's two best offences going head to head all right and Ikechi Anya shot wide next to the right of AFCB's goal. Things started to calm down more with just a header from Kermorgant and a long distance shot from Ighalo adding to the off target shots.

Artur Boruc was still being careless with his kicking but at least found touch, but Arter was misplacing passes as well and Watford were getting stronger as the first 20 minutes went passed. The Hornets were really putting in the tackles and while Ritchie always seemed on for a pass, Watford were closing down space well with 10 men. Matters livened up again after a period of sustained possession for AFCB which must have seen 20 odd passes, before Daniels crossed to Yann Kermorgant who took the ball down with one foot and then thundered a shot against the bar with his other foot! It would have been another goal of the season candidate.

Watford were still looking good on the break though, and when Steve Cook obstructed Troy Deeney on Watford's right wing his name went in the book. Watford went close from the resultant kick as AFCB did not clear well and the ball stayed around the D before a Watson's foot stabbed a shot that trickled past Boruc's right upright.

AFCB were taking charge of the game though and Charlie Daniels's crosses were causing a real problem for Watford. In fact, that was so much so that Daniel Tozsier diverted one of them towards Callum Wilson who got in front of Craig Cathcart and the Watford defender put out his right leg trying to get to the ball, but only ended up fouling Wilson and Lee Probert pointed to the spot. Kermorgant put his laces through the ball and hammered the penalty down the middle to give AFCB the lead on 35 minutes.

Not long after Harry Arter was shown the yellow tackle for a poor challenge on Gianni Munari. AFCB soon got back into their rhythm though and Gomes made a fumble from a Francis cross before it was hastily cleared by a defender for a corner. After a shot from Harry Arter that caused Gomes to make a low save and Charlie Daniels shooting wide, the best Watford could offer was to see Deeney have his shot blocked as we reached half time with the home team one up.

Half time - the subs warm up.

The first cup of the season on display. 
The Youth Alliance south west title goes to AFCB.

Half time score.

Second Half

Watford brought on Daniel Pudil for Munari at the start of the second half making their back four look like Anya, Cathcart Hoban and Pudil. They were pretty much occupied form that start of the second half with an early corner to defend and lots of Bournemouth possession. It was the left side with Daniels that was again stirring up trouble, and while he worked his way into the box and could not get a shot off, he passed to Matt Ritchie who shot wide after a great move. Just five minutes later though a cross from Pugh was headed on by Kermorgant to an on rushing Matt Ritchie who buried his shot, low and hard, past Gomes in the bottom left corner of the goal to make it 2-0 to AFCB. 

It was on the hour mark when Pugh made another pass to set Ritchie through, but he sadly fired wide with a cross come shot from the right. AFCB were doing everything right but just not stretching Watford quite enough to open the Hornets up completely. When they did break through and Simon Francis got in, Gomes brought off a world class save. Cathcart was still putting in full blooded challenges on Wilson and AFCB were going to have to work hard to get more distance in the scores between the two teams.

That could have happened on 65 minutes when Ritchie's curled cross found an outstretched Kermorgant, who headed the ball back across goal well, only to see Gomes pull off another amazing save to his left. Another opportunity saw Wilson struggle with Cathcart on the break and finally get past him only to shoot wide from just inside the box.

Watford then brought on Matej Vydra to replace Ighalo who had faded through the game. AFCB were still looking for more goals though and Daniels hit a solid shot that Gomes took on the ground in the mid-rift. Vydra made his presence felt as soon as he came on but as time approached the 80 minute mark Harry Arter was still showing some great skills in back heeling a pass through to Matt Ritchie who had his shot parried by Gomes.

Yann Kermorgant was then replaced by Eunan O'Kane and O'Kane similarly to Vydra started to win the ball a lot and started to really get Francis running out in support up the right wing. Even in the last 10 minutes things were falling into place well for the Cherries, although one slight concern was seeing Tommy Elphick get a yellow card for a miss-timed challenge. One of the best moments of the night though was still to come in the 88th minute when Pugh looked certain to score but Gomes pulled off yet another great save from close range! Adam Smith replaced Ritchie in the 89th minute with Ritchie taking an age to come off from the corner flag - nice one Matt.

Extra time arrived with AFCB still looking for a third goal. Eunan O'Kane won a free kick on the edge of Watford's box having received a hefty challenge from Pudi, but he seemed okay after treatmentl. Brett Pitman also made an appearance for the last minute or two in place of Callum Wilson, but the game was over by then it was 2-0 to AFCB.  

Lots  of stewards around the match officials and the Watford fans.

AFCB players say well done to Gomes who played brilliantly in Watford's goal.

Steve Cook and Simon Francis applaud the crowd.

Watford go off to see their fans.

Summary

Watford had their thunder taken away early with the sending off, but AFCB still had to make the extra man count. It took a while for the Cherries to hit top form but some of their play in the second half was back to their best. The Cherries were given a test that could have been harder on the night. The fact that it was made easier by the sending off should not cloud the fact that the Cherries exploited their advantage to the maximum and stopped a talented Watford team from scoring. Only Gomes kept the Cherries' score down. Three points clear at the top of the league - not a bad night's work.

Watford players were pleased with their support.

Callum and Matt were already wrapped up in their
coats having been subbed in the 90 minutes.

Francis and Arter enjoy the moment.

Marc Pugh wins the TV man on the match and he is interviewed along with Tommy Elphick.

What does it mean for AFCB get a win over Watford?
Everything, the Hornets' big win last season can be put to bed now. 

AFCB

Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie (Smith 89), Arter, Surman, Pugh, Kermorgant (O'Kane 77), Wilson (Pitman 94)

AFCB subs

Camp, Pitman, Smith, Stanislas, Fraser, Ward, O'Kane

AFCB Ratings
Boruc 5, Francis 9, Elphick 6, Cook 6, Daniels 9, Ritchie 9, Arter 6, Surman 7, Pugh 8, Kermorgant 7, Wilson 8

Watford

Gomes, Munari, Angella, Layun, Tozser, Deeney, Cathcart, Anya, Watson, Ighalo, Hoban

Watford Subs

Doyley, Savic, Pudil, Vydra, Bond, Menash

Referee Watch: Lee Probert 7/10 he was great for AFCB, but I don't think I'd be far off the mark if Watford fans would give 0/10. Take your pick.

Man of the match for me was Hurehlo Gomes even though he was on the losing side. As far as AFCB go I'd have to pick Ritchie just ahead of Francis and Daniels - all three had great games.

Watford are again among the pace-setters

Watford may have come off worse last weekend against a rejuvenated Charlton side under Bob Peeters but they dominated most of that game. Oscar Garcia also had to go away to Blackpool in mid-week, where his team squeezed a one-nil away but he suffered some heart discomfort. Sadly, Garcia will not be present at the match against the Cherries, but it appears that he is recovering well and will soon be back at Watford after some rest. His side though are bound to give their all for the manager and AFCB could be on the back end of a goal hungry Watford side who are already third in the table.

It has been built up to be quite a match with the Sky cameras there and the unveiling of the new East stand, but AFCB have to forget all that and concentrate on trying to get three points because we have seen what a rampant Hornet side can do at home last season and we don't want a repeat.

Vicarage Road last season.

Troy Deeney will be a big miss for Watford as he is again showing that he is a striker who can propel Watford right up into the top play-off positions. It is time for Matej Vydra to see what he can do against an AFCB defence that has started to leak goals. Vydra scored against Blackpool but has only scored one in seven games for the Hornets. The creative play of Almen Abdi will also be a threat and in the box it is Gabriele Angella who has a habit of scoring against the Cherries. Lloyd Dyer has mainly been used as a sub this season, but again is a player that can get a goal out of nothing. Fernando Forestieri is likely to face the Cherries again and Gianni Munari is said to be available.

Watford have won all three of their home games this season. They netted three against Bolton on the first day and since then they have scored four against Leeds and Huddersfield, so be under no illusion, this is a tough assignment for Eddie Howe's side. They have to try and take the first points away from the Hornets at home this season.

Containment may be the best strategy against Watford. It is unlikely that Eddie Howe will take that option though and that is what makes this game a big spectacle for the TV cameras. I believe AFCB are a much improved side though from the 6-1 defeat we saw last season, even if Watford are also improved. The key will be who retains possession the best, and if the Cherries can keep Watford out in the first half hour I see the possibility for a tight match.

Update: Watford have changed their mind and said the new East stand will now not be open for the Bournemouth game.


Watford Home Form
WWW

AFCB Away Form
WLD

Breaking News: Polish international goalkeeper, Arthor Buroc is said to be joining AFCB on loan from Southampton.

Elliott Ward's new contract gives AFCB defensive strength

Elliott Ward has signed a new contract with AFCB that keeps him at Dean Court until June 2016. Because there was so much going on last week I think this story has largely gone unnoticed, but it is important that Bournemouth has retained Elliott for next season and beyond as he has worked hard to be a regular player in the side. Having only signed up for a year at first, it shows that he is liking his time on the south coast.

Heads up, Ward warms up before the Watford game.

The Match Day programme did feature Elliott's new contract at the last game and says that the two and a half-year deal was signed with no hesitation. It is pleasing to see another key player sign up for a longer period. Competition in the side should remain strong if Elliott can stay injury free and rival Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook for a place. I do see that Ward fancies himself as a bit of a striker and towards the end of games he has been pushing forward when the opportunity arises. He looks comfortable on the ball for a big player and if he can create a bit of panic in the opposition's box, I see this as a good addition to his game.

Against Watford I though Elliott had one of his best matches up until the goal that Angella scored. It was a header that Elliott may have been able to stop if he had managed to out jumped the Watford centre back, but he didn't seem able to make much of a challenge. That Angella out leaped AFCB's defence is a matter of concern because he has done it before. I expect Eddie Howe had spoken at length about Watford's aerial ability before the game. So it was disappointing to concede in that way just before half time.

Ward though has formed a good partnership with Elphick and it is now up to Steve Cook to show in training that he should be back in the team.

Reunited Grabban has penalty saved by Almunia

AFCB 1 v 1 Watford

18 January 2014

Attendance 10,333 (including 1423 Watford fans)

The teams are led out at the Goldsands stadium.

Who would have believed that Lewis Grabban would be reunited with his team mates at the end of this week to try and secure some points against a Watford side, who did everything they could to make life difficult for a Bournemouth team that has learnt to compete well in the Championship. A double penalty award had given Lewis Grabban every chance to claim all three points for the Cherries, but a determined Almunia, who gave away the second penalty, made a mends for his mistake and left Cherry fans disappointed when they had most of the opportunities in a second half, after the Hornets were reduced to 10 men.

Watford get ready to greet the AFCB players.

It might have been hard for some strikers to come back into the team after having the last few days in talks with another team over a potential move, but Lewis Grabban has shown that he is a true professional and has even signed a new contract. Marc Pugh also came back into the team on the left wing and Lee Camp kept goal for the Cherries. AFCB began 4-1-4-1 while Watford set up as a 4-4-2. More pictures from the day can be found on Match Day Gallery.

Watford switched ends as they wanted AFCB supporters
to get a good view of their yellow shirts while they were clean. 

Players were greeted with another day of torrential rain and the action was a bit stop/start with early fouls by Angel on Pugh and Arter on Faraoni. Even when Deeney thought he had an early chance, he was flagged offside and Camp saved in any case. AFCB began with their patient passing style as Ritchie, Arter and O'Kane got on the ball.

Watford Fabbrini was showing well early on and was looking to play in McGugan and Deeney. O'Kane was carrying out the ball from defence fairly regularly  looking for Grabban's runs. A foul on Pugh by Faraoni gave AFCB a chance to get forward and the first corner quickly followed with the Cherries attacking the Steve Fletcher end. Arter protected the ball as Watford defenders ran out and O'Kane just failed to get a shot away, but when it came back to Francis his drive was blocked and Watford broke with Battocchio. The move quickly reached McGugan and as he powered towards goal on 10 minutes. I feared the worse, but he slipped his sot well wide of the left upright - a lucky escape! Meanwhile, Ritchie had picked up a yellow for his challenge on a Watford player.  

AFCB's next goal effort was contrived by Ritchie who passed to Pugh and his deflected shot was saved by Almunia on 12 minutes. Ward was keeping Faraoni as quiet as he could and Daniels and Pugh looked Bournemouth's best chance of opening up the hornets on the left wing.

Watford though had a corner on 16 minutes which Ward headed away and the Camp moved in ahead of Deeney, when Faraoni had played the ball back in. Arter next fouled Fabbrini and AFCB were on the defensive. 

Bournemouth were coming away with the ball well though and started to put more pressure on the Watford goal. Hall made a clearance that must have been similar to watching the shuttle go up at Cape Canaverel, but it eventually fell out of orbit. O'Kane was quick to pounce on the ball and his pass to Daniels was moved on to Surman who shot agonisingly wide.

AFCB were playing some good football but were finding it hard to get up and support quickly when Arter broke. A moments rest came on 24 minutes when Iriney went down. He tried to continue but had to be subbed with Abdi coming on for him. AFCB continued with their intricate passing, Ritchie chesting the ball gloriously on before Daniels blasted a shot over. A few moments later it was Grabban who got in behind and pulled back a ball for Ritchie to hit, but it was deflected over for a corner.

Almunia chose to wave a fist at the cross and Watford were soon on the attack with Battocchio having his shot from the edge of the box pushed away for a corner with Camp making a smart save, down low. Camp also caught the subsequent corner kick.

O'Kane led the next AFCB attack with Daniels, Pugh and Francis getting involved, before Surman and O'Kane fed Pugh who shot well over from the best shooting position so far for AFCB. With 35 minutes gone something out of nothing started on the touchline near half way as Arter and Faraoni swapped words and Faraoni even raised his hands to Arter's face. After the two dugouts also exchanged words the ref hauled the players over to calm things down.

Hall and Angella were thwarting AFCB's attacks well in the box and even with a Cherries corner on 40 minutes Almunia cleared any danger. It was Watford that were to end the half the stronger with Deeney crossing for Battocchio and Angella finding Fabbrini who shot on the turn but well over. Deeney was particularly busy winning back the ball well at times, but when he played in McGugan he was offside. 

While Ritchie had another shot put wide on 44 minutes the game turned significantly when Elphick pulled back a Watford player on the left wing. The resulting free kick was headed in by Angella and the Cherries found themselves 0:1 down right on half time.

Some one told the ground staff that forking the pitch at
Dean Court was like being on a sandy beach in the Bahamas.

Second Half

Watford came out strongly with Deeney having the first shot deflected for a corner. The rain was really driving down now and I was waiting to see puddles form on the pitch, but the surface remained playable. AFCB's first shot this half came from Ritchie on 47 minutes but it was wide.

McGugan was subbed for Murray on 50 minutes as Watford looked to be more solid. Watford's had a corner soon after, but little seemed to be happening for AFCB with the final pass going missing in the box. Daniels came close to changing that with a one-two with Pugh, but his shot was blocked. 

Things improved further when O'Kane could not get his shot away but slipped a ball through for Grabban and as Hall held him back by the shirt and Ekstrand came in from the side. The assistant referee signalled for a penalty. While Watford players did their best to protest the referee went with the assistant referee and sent Angella off. They didn't get the right offending player there. Meanwhile, Grabban put the ball on the spot and calmly scored to Almunia's left on 62 minutes. It was 1:1 - game on!

AFCB had their tails up now and were pressing Watford back. Surman released a beautifully crafted curling shot that went just wide of Almunia's right post. Arter then shot wide after a Bournemouth corner. AFCB were looking more threatening now and when O'Kane sped through the middle and released Pugh on 69 minutes. It appeared that Pugh just had Almunia to beat and while it looked like he was clear to slot home, but he went down late I under Hall and Almunia's challenge. No doubt Watford fans viewed it as a dive, and it did look very suspicious having seen the replay. There was a yellow smoke bomb thrown on to the pitch as Watford supporters protested and Almunia calmly removed the object from the pitch. Referee Carl Boyeson was in no doubt and pointed to the spot and yet did not send either Hall or Almunia off. That was significant because the former Arsenal keeper made a good save and a barrage of follow ups from Ritchie and O'Kane, which failed to hit the target.

Ward started to get forward more now and he headed over on 73 minutes. Francis gave away a free kick then on Fabbrini, but a Watford player was soon offside and Pugh was doing a good defensive job. Pitman and Rantie then joined the game as Pugh and Surman were replaced with 12 minutes to go. A minute later Fabbrini was replaced by Anya.

AFCB were pushing for a winner with Pitman missing a sharp chance and Watford defending a corner well. Almunia spilled a shot from Ritchie but Pitman was yellow carded on the follow up for his challenge on the keeper. Rantie looked like he was going to be quick enough to get away at some point. A corner on 82 minutes gave him a chance but his effort was cleared off the line. A moment later he had another good chance when he was found by O'Kane on the left, but he didn't find the finish to beat Almunia. 

AFCB pressed with another corner. Grabban then got in behind on the left from O'Kane's pass, but when he crossed to Ritchie a Watford defender managed to make a block right on the line! Even with Pitman next to shoot over there was still hope with seven minutes of extra time awarded.

Yet, in the last few minutes AFCB almost threw everything away. First Elphick fouled Anya near the box with an alleged push which only the ref saw and then O'Kane slipped on the ball on the back line but got back to concede a corner. So it finished 1:1.

The Watford supporters attracted a lot of stewards and police.

A missed opportunity for AFCB perhaps.

Eddie still seemed pleased with the performance.

Summary
Eddie Howe can rightly feel that AFCB were the better team today and had plenty of chances to win the game. While Grabban has only ever missed the one penalty you wonder if the substitution bringing on Pitman had been made a few minutes earlier. Then Pitman would have probably taken the spot kick and the Cherries could have been celebrating a win. Grabban shot the same way as his first penalty and it was not to be second time around. Still a point against a dangerous team is not a bad days work. Yet, AFCB should make the most of teams that are reduced to 10 men and they couldn't do that today. Perhaps more disappointing was the failure to defend a set piece.

What is more Eddie Howe has managed to keep his squad together and with Grabban staying their seems good unity about the team who share a common goal of wanting to achieve something special at AFCB. That may start with a win next weekend, because to pass Watford off the park is no mean feat. AFCB have come a long way since that 6:1 defeat back in August.

The Bournemouth Echo get's Eddie Howe's reaction. 

  AFCB
Camp, Francis, Elphick, Ward, Daniels, O'Kane, Ritchie, Arter, Surman (Rantie 78), Pugh (Pitman 78), Grabban

AFCB Player Ratings
Camp 7, Francis 7, Elphick 7, Ward 8, Daniels 8, O'Kane 8, Ritchie 7, Arter 7, Surman 7, Pugh 8, Grabban 7

AFCB Subs
Allsop, Harte, Cook, MacDonald, Fraser, Pitman, Rantie

Watford
Almunia, Angella, Hall, Ekstrand, Faraoni, Battocchio, Iriney (Abdi 26), McGugan (Murray 50), Pudil, Deeney, Fabbrini (Anya 78)

Watford Subs
Bond, Bellerin, Forestieri, Doyley, Murray, Anya, Abdi 

Hornets sting Bournemouth for six

Watford 6 v 1 AFCB

10 August 2013

Attendance 16,295

Someone got here before us!

Vicarage Road was always going to be a tough examination of AFCB's Championship credentials and in the first half I think it is more than fair to say they not only gave as good as they got but perhaps even edged the first 45 minutes. Yet, the second half turned into somewhat of a rout as Watford turned the screw by showing how Championship strikers go about their finishing work when they are presented with clear opportunities. It was not a poor AFCB performance it was an eye-opener on how good you need to be to get to the top of the league next May.

A very busy Vicarage Road.

The Cherries lined up with Grabban as a lone striker with five across the middle. But instead of protecting the back four with the more defensive-minded Hughes, Howe decided to set out his stool by including Surman instead. Thomas might have felt a bit unlucky to be on the bench but it was the sensible thing to do with this weeks events and even Pitman found himself in a supporting sub role.

Watford with Troy Deeney and Forestieri taking the challenge to the Cherries up front. Even while Deeney was to go on to score three, it was Ikechi Anya that really looked to pull the Cherries apart in my view.  

The teams are out and AFCB are in their white away kit.

Bournemouth did not start well giving a free kick away in the centre, just in front of their box, in the opening minutes. Luckily McGugan hit it straight at Allsop. What were all those words Arter said on the end of the season video about not picking up needless yellow cards? Ah, well less than three minutes in and he picked up his second in two weeks with a reckless challenge in the oppositions half.   

There is no more brighter light shining on the pitch for AFCB this season than Ryan Fraser. He was immediately into the action chasing down Watford's left winger. Watford were soon shouting for handball against Shaun MacDonald but to know avail. Keeping Deeney out of the box was already proving tricky as he picked up the odd foul.

On 9 minutes the referee decide to change the ball to lots of jeers from the crowd. I hoped it might get AFCB on the ball more and sure enough Pugh caught a defender napping and let off a shot from the left, outside the box, which went narrowly over Watford's bar, with Almunia at full stretch. Grabban then had an effort just go wide after 12 minutes, when Almunia punched out poorly after a Cook long throw. Bournemouth were starting to look more than comfortable playing their game. Grabban was particularly looking lively. 

Abdi was already supplying Anya on the left wing who saw his shot deflected for a corner. Form the resulting corner Watford went one up as Angella seemed to whip the ball home, on 13 minutes, when AFCB had been slow to clear the danger. The signs were already there that Francis was going to have a hard working day battling against Anya.

Grabban got a shot off after a Surman pass that the keeper turned away for a corner. The move had included Arter, Daniels Pugh and Fraser in what was probably AFCB's best bit of play up until then. The corner saw Arter dummy the ball near the centre spot an Grabban looked favourite to slot it home, but he hit a defender before Pugh shot over.

Bournemouth had another corner from the left on 20 minutes when Grabban shot wide. Watford were strong on the counter with Deeney striking well over a couple of minutes later. At the other end the Cherries were screaming for a penalty as Ryan Fraser went down from Casetti's challenge in the box, but too softly according to the ref! Grabban was almost through a moment later and Cook's long throws to Elliott Ward were giving Almunia some uncomfortable moments with Arter having a subsequent shot blocked.

It was at this point that Harry the Hornet (Watford's mascot) got his big drum out as the home crowd support was virtually non-existent. All it seemed to do was raise AFCB's game as Fraser went close with a near post effort that Almunia was thankful to grab hold of safely. 

Eddie Howe was looking calm but resplendent in his red top on the touch line as Bournemouth looked to press again. Fraser this time whipped in the ball right across the six yard area and it was a simple tap in for Grabban to bring the Cherries level at 1:1 after some 30 minutes.

Grabban was causing some problems now and was almost in again but had to settle for a corner. Fraser too was probably one of Bournemouth's liveliest players. Since the equaliser went in Bournemouth were certainly in the ascendancy with the way supporters cheering them on. The ball was being passed quickly and it was Watford now doing the chasing. Arter had his shot deflected on 40 minutes, but for the next few moments it was Watford's Forrestieri and McGugan on the left that were giving Francis a tough time. The breakaway was led by Surman who had opportunities to threaten but it fizzled out for another Cook long throw.

It was back down the other end again as Faraoni brought out a good save from Allsop. Deeney then tried to thread his way through on the edge of Bournemouth's box and when he had a shot it must have hit the hand of a white shirt's hand as Watford werr awarded a fdangerously positioned free kick, with seconds to go before half time. Abdi took the kick but it was straight at Allsop. The score at half time then was 1:1.

Harry the Hornet did his best to get Watford fans singing.

Second Half

There was no need to change things at half time. Bournemouth were playing well. The Hornet's came out in the second half playing a few more long balls and looking to get AFCB defenders to turn more. Long balls were fired into Deeney, one which almost resulted in Foresiteri sneaking in a good shot but it was blocked by Francis and cannoned up into the air for Allsop to claim easily. Again Deeney was picked up with a long diagonal ball. It looked a definite plan of action or instruction from Zola at half time. Meanwhile, Faraoni found himself in the book after chopping Arter down on 48 minutes. 

Pugh tried a good 1-2 with Grabban but his shot was deflected. Watford were soon back on the long ball and when Francis came across with a shoulder barge to ensure the ball would run out before Faraoni,  I think it was, could make anything of it. The ref blew for an unfair challenge. The free kick seemed harsh but from it, Angella rose well above every one else, on the far post, and headed home to make it 2:1 on 53 minutes.

Howe immediately made a sub with Daniels being replaced by Ian Harte. Moments later it was Deeney celebrating as he raced into the box on the left holding off Cook to place a shot across Allsop and into the bottom corner on 56 minutes. the game had turned an instance to become 3:1 and the Bournemouth players were left wondering exactly what had hit them. 

There was no respite now, Watford were in full flow with AFCB players looking stretched all over the pitch. Deeney had another shot blocked while Forestieri had the confidence to go for an overhead kick that Allsop saved. Watford were breaking at pace with Anya blazing down the left before hitting a shot just inches wide of the left upright.

Bournemouth brought on Pitman for MacDonald on 61 minutes when perhaps they would have been better trying to stem the flow with a more defensive player. But that just wasn't in Howe's thinking. He wanted to go and score and make it a real knockout contest. Anya now was exploiting the space and giving Francis a lot of work.

Watford took off Faraoni and brought on Pudil on 65 minutes. Anya linked up with McGugan then on right side and McGugan made it 4:1 with more clinical finishing on 66 minutes.

AFCB did not give up fighting and Pugh was next to fire a ball across the Watford penalty area. With the home support remaining quiet it was time for the Seasiders to remind them that they were winning 4: 1. Only Harry the Hornet seemed to realise this.

On 68 minutes Watford replaced Forestieri with Fabbrini and AFCB brought on O'Kane for Pugh. Arter by now was clearly annoyed and banged a shot high and wide into the Rookery End stand. Anya thought he would try his luck on the other side of the pitch as he had tormented Francis enough.

O'Kane was busying himself in midfield and keeping the Cherries ticking over. Pitman too was industrious when he came on. When Arter was caught on 75 minutes play slowed and Watford made another sub with McGugan off and Battocchio coming on. Fraser then picked up a head injury.

Watford were still going forward and Anya fired another shot that Allsop had to save. At the other end Bournemouth were getting more desperate to get another goal and Fraser almost supplied the perfect ball in for Surman but, when it seemed easier to score than miss, the ball was somehow deflected for a corner on 80 minutes.

Ward was doing his best to keep Deeney quiet at the other end while Casetti picked up a yellow for a challenge on Arter in the centre circle on 86 minutes. The game was coming to an end with 88 minutes gone, but Watford still had some more surprises for AFCB with Ward making a clearance that only found Deeney, who then danced around the edge of the box before letting go with a stunning shot that smashed in off the right post, having split a couple of players almost clean in two. 

Just to rub AFCB faces in it, the four minutes of extra time did not pass quietly either. Cook was adjudged to bring down Fabbrini unfairly in the box and it was left for troy Deeney to step up and claim his hat-trick as Allsop was sent the wrong way from the 12 yard spot.


Summary
The score line of 6:1 says AFCB took a real hammering and any one reading teh result would say AFCB could not have been in this game. But that is far from the truth. Bournemouth were very much in the match with 50 minutes gone and if there is a lesson to be learnt it is not to give needless free kicks away firstly. There were several in the game including one in the opening minutes while another led to Watford's second goal. The opposition are going to try and turn our defenders and in the second half there were too many gaps to plug when balls were sent long and  in between our centre halves and full backs. A scoreline of 3:1 would perhaps be more a reflection on how I thought we competed, but it was six. Some of that is down to not making the right decisions at the back on occasions. However, AFCB were up against some of the best attacking players in the division and it does make me feel that the leadership of Tommy Elphick would be a big help min our next game against Wigan. I can't blame Allsop for any of the goals and I hope his confidence will be okay.

Let's put this one behind us. Watford are a good team that will be fighting for promotion and now we know what the standard must be when we play away from home. UTCIAD.  

AFC Bournemouth
Allsop, Francis, Cook, Ward, Daniels (Harte 55), Fraser, Arter, MacDonald (Pitman 61), Surman, Pugh (O'Kane 69), Grabban.

AFCB Subs: Flahavan, Hughes, Okane, Harte, Pitman, Thomas, Stockley. 

Goals: Grabban (30)

Player Ratings
Allsop 6, Francis 6, Cook 5, Ward 5, Daniels 5, Arter 5, Fraser 7, MacDonald 5, Surman 5, Pugh 5, Grabban 7. 


Watford 
Almunia, Angella, Doyle, Casetti, McGugan (75 Battocchio), Faraoni (65 Pudil), Anya, Abdi, Iriney, Deeney, Forestieri (68 Fabbrini).

Watford Subs: Bond, Ekstrand, Pudil, Battocchio, Acuna, Fabbrini, Smith. 


Goals:Angella (13, 53), Deeney (56, 88,90), McGugan (66).