Gomes defies the Cherries again!

Match Report

Watford 0 v 0 AFCB

27 February 2016

Attendance: 20,831

A smartly revamped Vicarage Road.

Going away to Watford was a great chance to extend the gap between those teams just below the Cherries and a goalless draw turned out to be a good result. Performance wise I am sure Eddie Howe will rue the missed chance that fell to Dan Gosling and an arguable claim for a handball in the second half, but Watford more than had their hare of chances to win as well with Denney and Ighalo passing up the opportunity to hit the target more than once. So a clean sheet creeps the Cherries closer to safety on 29 points and the most pleasing sight of the day was to see Max Gradel return to the team, although Junior Stanislas ended back up on the physio table having pulled his hamstring.

Guess who's back? Max Gradel is ready to play.

AFC Bournemouth fans Andy and Keith give their pre-match views.

The team was changed quite considerably from the Everton FA Cup side with Adam Smith and Steve Cook coming in at the back and Artur Boric in goal. Ricthie and Stanislas started on the wings and Surman and Arter returned along with a double strike partnership of King and Afobe. Among the subs were Max Gradel and Tommy Elphick.

Jason Tindall gives the news about Max Gradel and the team.

It's him again! I love the routines of Harry the Hornet.
At least Harry the Hornet came down to earth a bit after this game.

The two teams greet each other in front of the Graham Taylor stand.

Watford brought in Britos, Parades and Etienne Capoue after their FA Cup success the previous weekend.

We'll kick this way.

More match pictures are on Match Day Gallery.

First Half

The first few minutes of this game were of high intensity with Ighalo almost getting an early goal as he took on Arter and Cook in the Cherries' box on the right hand side, clipping the ball inside Cook only to have his shot pushed be Artur Boric into the side netting for a corner. Watford seemed intent on playing long balls up to Ighalo to chase while the Cherries played their carefully crafted passes from the back with the Hornets pressing as high as they could.

Daniels and Stanislas were not quite on the same wavelength on the left wing even if they were seeing a lot of the ball. Harry Arter was a bit more successful but his shot from 20 yards out screwed just wide of the left post.

The Cherries first corner was won by Matt Ritchie on 12 minutes which Gomes came to catch as he did all game! 

Watford were quick on the break and Surman was having to guard against Capoue's passing which found Amrabat who shot wide from the edge of the box. Then Amrabat did even better getting around the side and making a slide rule pass to Ighalo who some how shot wide from 10 yards out - a big let off!

Afobe was struggling to hold on to the ball up front. Adam Smith was getting forward and one of his shots won AFCB their second corner on 19 minutes. It was not much later when Junior Stanislas pulled up when breaking from defence - hamstring! He was unable to continue so Max Gradel made a welcome return on 22 minutes having been out since 29 August.

King was working hard robbing Ben Watson whenever he could, but there was just as much entertainment from seeing Artur Boruc trying to clear a blow up beach ball that landed near him. While he eventually removed it we saw Harry the Hornet test his sting by bursting the inflatable moments later. A break from King almost put Afobe through with just Cathcart in pursuit, but the offside went up in a marginal decision.

Troy Deeney had not troubles Cook and Francis too much. Capoue caught Arter and a couple of times but kept himself out of the book.

AFCB lofted the ball into the box for Josh King who slipped on the deck and yet still tried to get a shot away, even if Watford fans felt he was just trying to shout for a penalty. There had not been much in the way of incidents but before half time we could raise a smile when Nathan Ake hurtled into the barriers and then the crowd in his keenness to recover the ball.

Luther Blissett picked up more silver at half time.

Second Half

Watford won an early free kick against Josh King despite Miguel Britos holding King around the neck as they both raced for the ball. King pushed Britos back after picking up the ball and got a stern talking to from referee Taylor. King was soon getting in the areas we like to see him though and Ritchie's intricately worked cross to him ended with a shot that was deflected for a corner on 49 minutes.

A better chance fell to King when Ritchie again was the provider and King battling against Craig Cathcart volleyed over from eight yards!

The Cherries were not having all their own way. A cross from Amrabat was punched clear by Boruc but on to Parades who had his shot blocked by Francis. Then Amrabat completely missed his volley in the top corner of the left hand side of the box.

Back came the Cherries with Surman and Max Gradel playing their one-twos through the Hornets defence only for Gradel to see his shot fly over, with Britos making a last ditch intervention as Gomes narrowed the angle.

Benik Afobe's first touch was letting him down a bit, but he kept trying. Meanwhile, Watford subbed Capoue and brought on Mario Suarez on 57 minutes. 

The Cherries were pressing for the goal though and Surman had a shot blocked by Miguel Britos only for Ritchie to then find Arter and his drive looked like it would do the trick, until Gomes made another of those outstanding finger tip saves to his left to deny the Irishmen at the last. The shot was bending towards Gomes rather than away from him, otherwise it could have been 0-1.

An hour gone and still no score.The corner hit a Watford player's chest and up stretched forearm - Berhami, on the hand and the calls for penalty rang out, but the assistant referee as perhaps looking elsewhere! 

Adam Smith was starting frustrate referee Taylor by persistently fouling Amrabat.  Amrabat was able to escape at one point though rounding the Cherries' defence on the left wing only for Ighao to head the ball wide of the left upright unchallenged!

A hasty challenge from Arter then running back on Deeney saw a free kick in the left side of the D for Watford on 68 minutes. AFCB formed a six man wall. Ben Watson made a short pass to Deeney, but he got it all wrong, firing wide of the left post. 

Troy Deeney was then lined up again with another chance on the left side of the box, by a pass from Watson but he pulled his shot wide and Boruc did not have to make a save. 

The Cherries were quick to come forward again through Daniels and he put in a big cross that was just a bit too hot for Ritchie who blasted his shot over while hitting it on the run as he sped into the box to meet the cross. At the other end we saw Nathan Ake volley over as the game went into the last 20 minutes.

Afobe's race was run and on came Dan Gosling to make it five in midfield. Britos was next to have a go at goal but fired wide for Watford. A quickly taken free kick by Watford then saw Ighalo with a good chance but he was quickly closed down and fired over.

Anthony Taylor brought out the yellow card for Ben Watson on 78 minutes for a foul on Max Gradel. 

A great chance then fell to Dan Gosling. Ritchie took the free kick and confusion in the box led to Deeney knocking the ball across his own six yard box off his shin and directly into Gosling's path, but the midfielder only made a weak connection and Gomes made the save to his right!

Josh King then sent in a cross from the right that was met by Gradel leaping to head down at goal but Gomes did well to judge the bounce well and save to his right.

The Cherries kept going with Arter firing wide next. While Ritchie had to limp off before coming back on, Watford subbed Armabat for Almen Abdi.

Surman's first move was to land a yellow for stopping Abdi in the middle of the park. AFCB's last sub was Ritchie coming off for Murray on 83 minutes. While Cathcart saw yellow for taking out Gradel, Max could not get the better of Gomes who tipped over another effort from the small winger as Cathcart tried to get a block in with just a couple of minutes to go. It ended all square, just as it had at Dean Court earlier in the season.

Adam Smith finally catches Gomes.

Full time. Arter shakes the hand of Gomes who stopped AFCB all afternoon.

We'll take that.

Summary
Watford could easily have won this game but we found out that Ighalo has off days even if Gomes doesn't! While the Hornets could not manage more than a single shot on target, the Cherries only did a little better and then there was still Heurelho Gomes to beat. Clinical finishing is still a work in progress project for AFCB with Afobe looking somewhat out of sorts and King having just as few attempts at goal, and when the chances did fall to Gosling and Arter the back of the net did not ripple. A point though is always good for an away match in this league and sometimes it is good to reflect on a clean sheet, which is a far too rare a thing for AFCB this season. Watford played their part in a tight game, but in short there was not enough quality in front of goal for a winner in this game. 

By the way, Roy Hodgson was again watching AFC Bournemouth, following up from last weekend - is a call up for Charlie Daniels imminent?

Another point on the road.

A clean sheet.

Eddie applauds the supporters.

AFCB
Boruc, Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie (Murray 85), Arter, Surman, Stanislas (Gradel 23), King, Afobe (Gosling 74)

AFCB Subs
Federici, Distin, Elphick, Iturbe, Gosling, Gradel, Murray

AFCB Ratings
Boruc 6, Smith 6, Francis 7, Cook 7, Daniels 7, Ritchie 7, Arter 8, Surman 7, Stanislas injured (Gradel 7), King 6, Afobe 5

Max says thanks to the fans.

Watford
Gomes, Paredes, Cathcart, Britos, Aké, Behrami, Watson, Capoue (Suárez 57), Amrabat (Abdi 83), Deeney, Ighalo

Watford Subs
Pantilimon, Nyom, Suárez, Prödl, Anya, Abdi, Holebas

Referee Watch: Anthony Taylor 6/10 was that handball? Did the fouls get a little out of hand? At least he found his yellow cards eventually. Josh King was also lucky with his reaction to Britos' challenge.

Watford will be strong at Vicarage Road

The Watford experiment has worked rather well this season. They play without fear and hit teams hard for the full 90 minutes in a way that has caught many of the top sides out. With a bit more luck they would have had more points too, especially at Vicarage Road where they have already had great wins against Liverpool and West Ham.

So AFCB know they will have to be at the top of their game for this one. The match back in October that ended in a 1-1 draw was not a typical performance by the Hornets. They did not appear as devastating on the break as they have against some other teams and were probably quite thankful to get the draw. Watford have something to prove against the Cherries and that is not comfortable to know.

It was honours even last time out at Dean Court.

At home the Hornets have bagged seven goals in their last five matches, while they have only conceded five goals. Close encounters are what they specialise in and this game is likely to be no difference. It could turn on one simple mistake. 

Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo may get all the goals and all the headlines, but there is a strong balance to this Watford side and much of the strength is in having committed players like Ben Watson to win the ball and Craig Cathcart at the back to clear any danger. Gomes is also enjoying life in goal and is always likely to pull out the odd wonder save or even save the odd penalty. Watford tend to feel that AFCB's players win too many such penalties so I'll be intrigued to see if there are any controversial decisions in this game. 

This is a match where there will be no time on the ball. Both teams press hard to force sides into mistakes to win the ball high up the pitch. AFCB may like more possession but it is no good unless the shots at the end of it are more on target than we have seen in recent weeks. We may not see a blockbuster of a game like the last match between these two sides at Vicarage Road when Harry Arter lifted the roof of the Watford net and Cathacrt replied with a sharp volley, but a similar result would be something to be pleased about and would halt the recent run of results. I needn't say what a win would feel like!

Watford Home Form
WLLWD

AFCB Away Form
WLDDW

The Cherries let the Hornets off the hook 1-1

Match Report

3 October 2016

AFCB 1 v 1 Watford

Attendance: 11,187

Artur Boruc won't like the re-run of this game.

What a game we had a Dean Court. It was full on attack from both AFCB and Watford from the first minute to the last and while the game will be remembered for two incidents in particular both sets of fans may well have left this match thinking their team has enough to survive this season in the Premier League. Glenn Murray was always likely to make some of the headlines as soon as his name was given in the Cherries starting line up and he duly delivered in the 28th minute with a big header at the far post to put Eddie Howe team ahead. AFCB were almost imperious with their play in the first half and that comfort factor probably had a part to play in Watford's equalised as Artur Boruc's footwork saw him gift his attempted clearance to Odion Ighalo who rounded the spreadeagled and forlorn keeper to make it 1-1 at half time. The second half saw both teams go close with Ikecha Anya forcing a great save from Boruc and Steve Cook bring the best out of Gomes with an overhead kick, but when Adam Smith went down after a frantic scramble in the penalty box it seemed like Glenn Murray would put the game to bed from the penalty spot. But Gomes pulled off a superb save and the Cherries were left to think that two points had been dropped.

The teams are out.

AFCB team shot.

The captains in the middle.

Watford huddle.

There are more pictures on Match Day Gallery.

The team selection was fairly simple this week without Wilson and Elphick in contention so in came Glenn Murray to make his full home debut and he was paired with Josh King up front, while the rest of the team stayed as it had been against Stoke. Lee Tomlin was the man who was dropped to the bench.

AFCB were put under a bit of pressure from the start but there was a clear indication that Josh King was going to be a big factor in the game from as early as the second minute when he put in a cross from the right that was gathered by Heurelho Gomes just in front of the feet of Murray. Murray then had a loopy header that fell on to the top of the net as AFCB tried to get ahead early.

Ben Watson put in a strong cross from the right that saw Boruc take a high catch as Watford started moving forward again. It was the speed of the Cherries play though that was most promising. Ritchie playing a long cross field ball to Pugh who fed in Daniels and his cross  was just missed by Murray even if he was flagged offside. King was not quiet either as he charged down a Gomes clearance. AFCB meant business today.

The Hornets were not going to sit back though and both Troy Deeney and Allan Nyom had shots blocked. King had often not got into many shooting positions in previous games but he was only stopped from testing Gomes by a Cathcart block on the edge of the box. It was King that was being the mischief maker putting another cross that Murray just failed to get to.

A Boruc miss-kick was met with annoyance from the home crowd on 22 minutes but worse was to come later. Four minutes later though it was AFCB on the attack and King broke to take on Cathcart one on one and when the ball fell to Murray the chance slipped by as Watford got back to block. The attacks kept coming with Pugh cutting a shot back to the near post that had Gomes scrambling to his right to make a low save. With Francis back on the ball down the right though the breakthrough finally came when Ritchie received the ball and crossed to the far post and Murray jumped highest and powered in his header to make it 1-0. "Championi" came the cries of the AFCB fans taunting the Watford supporters in the East stand as a reference to last season's final Championship table.

The lead was well deserved on the run of play, but after the first goal free kicks and over hit passes started to slow the play. Glenn Murray and Capoue were caught up in a squabble which further delayed play, but Murray was booked. All looked as though it would be a slim 1-0 lead at half time until Artur Boruc suddenly thought he had more time than he actually did at the back and his attempted pass to Distin was a gift to Ighalo right in front of goal. While the keeper tried to recover his mistake by leaping early as he expected the Watford striker to shoot, Ighalo simply kept the ball close and went around the isolated keeper and netted probably the easiest Premier League goal he would ever be presented with. It was 1-1 and half time! Oh, Artur!

AFCB fans can't believe that it is all square at half time.

Artur walks off with Sylvain Distin.

Watford players can't believe that they have been gifted a goal.

Second Half
While we digested what had probably been the best 45 minutes of play that we had seen from the Cherries this season which had only been blighted by an individual error. the second half was soon upon us. Ake won an early free kick, but Watford were finding it hard to get shots in on goal with Deeney playing quite deep and Distin keeping Ighalo in his sights at all times. On 5o minutes watford won the first corner and  that was followed by Watson trying his luck from distance and he smashed his shot against the bar!

AFCB managed to record their first corner just a minute later after a clearance from Prodl, but as the applause broke out on 55 minutes in memory of Mick Cunningham, who sadly passed away last weekend, Watford came rather close to scoring as Ikech Anya just put his chance wide.

The Cherries subbed Pugh on 57 minutes and brought on Adam Smith. Pugh had been quite so it was worth trying a change. It was shortly after that that Boruc had to make another rushed clearance with his feet which he did well after a hurried back pass and Ighalo closing in. AFCB were coming under pressure though and Riche and Murray finally got the ball away after another prolonged spell of the ball being in and around AFCB's box. Watford were turning up the heat and when Abdi played a ball through to Anya running past the centre backs the pacey winger only had Boruc to beat. But Boruc made himself big and pulled off a big save when Watford could easily have gone ahead on 68 minutes.

Eddie Howe was not liking what he was seeing at this point and O'Kane finally got on having waited a while and replaced Josh King on 70 minutes.Watford took off Nyom who went down in a tackle a minute later and replaced him with Ibarbo. Watford fans then thought they had won a penalty as Ighalo ran on to a ball from Abdi and went down, but the referee waved it away even with Ighalo chasing after him complaining.

It was then that Adam Smith put in a superb solo run that took him down the right wing and along the byline but he was kept out by Gomes just at the last moment. The game was open now and both teams looked tiered. Matt Ritchie tried to hit a free kick screamer from 20 yards but only saw his shot blocked. Murray also had a go from distance but his weak shot was comfortable for Gomes to fall on.

Anya was subbed after going down injured and Paredes came on for him with 11 minutes to go. Francis then put in a good cross that saw O'Kane, Ritchie and Murray trying to get on it but the header from Murray dropped wide. Steve Cook thought a moment of magic might do it and he hit an overhead kick from fully 20 yards that saw Gomes make an outstanding save to his left at full stretch on 83 minutes. That might have got Watford safe, but a collision in the box with Murray saw penalty claims waved away before Smith went down under a challenge from Capoue in the box and Watford were not let off for that one - penalty!

Glenn Murray was the man who would take the kick and he was complaining as a Watford player was kicking up ground around the penalty spot. The players settled though and Murray had the chance to win the game. He hit his shot to the right, but it was at a good height for Gomes who made the save and the score remained 1-1.

Four minutes of extra time were added on but there were no more chances and just enough time for Watford to make their last sub, Guedioura coming on for Abdi on 94 minutes.

Game over. Honours even.

No goals in the second half.

Happy Watford fans.

A point each.

Summary
Individual mistakes will cost a team at any level of the game, they are just more costly at the highest level. While Boruc and Murray will have reason to feel they could have done better for their teammates over the two big talking points a point at home against Watford takes the Cherries up to eight points from eight games and if AFCB had really been unlucky in this game they could have lost all three points. So while it probably should have been a home win, AFCB have to consider that they have played as well in this game as they have at any stage of the season and that they can do well without the players that have been injured in recent weeks. Watford are a powerful side and the Cherries minimised their chances to just a few all game. The omens are good and the points should follow in the long run. 

AFCB: Boruc, Francis, Cook, Distin, Daniels, Ritchie, Gosling, Surman, Pugh (Smith 57), King (O'Kane 70), Murray

AFCB Subs: Federici, Smith, Cargill, Bennett, Kermorgant, Tomlin, O'Kane

AFCB ratings

Boruc 6, Francis 7, Cook 7, Distin 8, Daniels 7, Ritchie 7, Gosling 7, Surman 7, Pugh 6,
King 8, Murray 7

Watford: Gomes, Nyom (Ibarbo 71), Prödl, Cathcart, Aké, Anya (Paredes 79),
Capoue, Watson, Abdi (Guédioura 94), Deeney, Ighalo

Watford Subs: Britos, Paredes, Guédioura, Ibarbo, Diamanti, Dyer, Arlauskis

Gomes was undoubtedly Watford's man of the match.

Referee watch: Michael Oliver 7/10 Just Gomes and Murray in the book. It was a fairly well refereed game considering that it could have been tasty affair at times between these two sides, but it was never allowed to boil over.

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.

Is Artur Boruc the best keeper in the Championship?

It is hard to look beyond the qualities of Artur Boruc in the Championship for a better keeper, but the on loan Saint's keep has plenty of competition even if his record has been outstanding in recent weeks. It is not surprise that when looking for the best keepers your eye is naturally drawn to the top of the table, and while you can claim that the keeper who has kept the most clean sheets or saved the most shots are good indicators, I suspect many fans will say their club's keeper is number one. 

Artur Boruc might not be able to put his hands on his knees
for long during games, but at least his hands are not the busiest in the Championship.

I believe it also depends also on who is playing in front of the shot stopper and how often a keeper is being made to work. In recent games Artur has thankfully not been worked too hard, but in some ways it is even harder for a keeper to suddenly be called into action and have to make a great save when he has been a virtual spectator for much of the game. Artur had only played five times for the Cherries before the Reading game and with 14 saves that was an average of below three a game. He had also picked up a yellow card in one game, so perhaps there is still even better to come for Artur.

My personal favourite in the Championship may surprise some of you, but I am not saying he is the best. It is Lee Grant at Derby County. He is agile and also imposing and has more than a season's experience now at this level. I know he has a great defence in front of him that had only let in 10 goals after 12 games, but he consistently keeps clean sheets for the Rams and is one that is only going to get better. 

Every one will also know two previous Premier league keepers at Watford and Norwich. Both Heurelho Gomes and John Ruddy will have their admirers, but I don't see them as keepers on the way up in their careers. A better pick for me is Karl Darlow on loan at Nottingham Forest. I can see why Newcastle came in for him. While he may not seem a big frightening character between the sticks, he is certainly one of those with outstanding ability. The saves he has made this season already have been highly regarded with 38 saves in 14 league and cup matches.

The other keeper that I think would rival Boruc for top spot is David Marshall at Cardiff City. Another former Premier League keeper, it is a wonder how come Marshall was not picked up be a Premier League club over the summer. He has had a slow start to the season though and Cardiff have let in 15 goals in their first 12 matches.

Is Artur No1 keeper in the Championship for you?

Yet for all the big names, if you check out who has let in the least goals this season in the early stages it is Dimitrios Konstantopoulos at Middlesbrough and before this season I bet hardly any of us had even heard of him. He had made nine appearances and 14 saves before this week's midweek game, which still puts him quite some way behind Karl Darlow in my opinion.

So, much as I might hate to admit it, if there was a keeper who I would say is No1 in the Championship at the moment, I'd probably go for Karl Darlow, but if Artur Boruc can be loured to extend his contact at AFCB past January, I can see him showing AFCB fans that he has helped saved many points for the team. Perhaps you think there is another keeper in the Championship who is currently the best? Let me know who and why?