Pugh's hard running is creating chances

Marc Pugh is being pushed for his place in the team more now than at any other point in his career I believe. His response has been to knuckle down and provide the kind of service that Callum Wilson and others can profit from. You don't see quite so many fancy turns, it's more a case of beat your man and get the cross in - and it really paid off on Saturday.

Pugh's zippy wing play is providing chances for AFCB's strikers.

The goal against Charlton showed the strength and acceleration of Pugh as well as his ability to find Callum Wilson in space. Pugh put in a great number of crosses on Saturday and his work rate demonstrated that he was a good choice for a starting place. For once Marc was also allowed to have the full 90 minutes and in the second half, when he ran up besides the Family stand, we did not see any drop off in performance. He still managed to win a fair few corners and by doing so kept the pressure on Charlton in those closing minutes.

Had Marc been a bit more fortunate in the first half he might have got on the end of one of Francis' crosses as well. Still it was a performance that had me pondering if it is more important for Pugh to keep getting to that byline and pulling back low crosses rather than hitting so many deep high balls into the box? There were only a few headed attempts on goal and those mainly came from Steve Cook, who launched himself at corners and set pieces trying to build on AFCB's lead. We know that AFCB like to play the ball on the ground and when the team has two sharp finishers in and around the box like Wilson and Pitman, it would make sense to me for Pugh and Ritchie to try and whip as many low balls back to these two as possible, when wingers are racing down to the byline.

The amount of space that Wilson was afforded in the box is all that he needed to turn a good cross into a goal. It's a split second of thought to make that movement and to redirect the pass towards goal and the speed of Bournemouth's attack, from Pugh's actions, made the goal look very simple. That AFCB only managed to score once though probably proves that it is not so simple to do and Pugh's ability to beat his man has once again opened the door for the win. So while we recognise Wilson's great finish, don't forget that Pugh was instrumental in getting the win against Charlton. 

Subs not needed for Cherries

I heard a bit of disquiet about the non-use of any of the subs in the last match against Charlton. It is not often that Eddie does not choose to replace at least one of his wingers, or a striker during a match, but with a tough match against Reading to come, and a run of seven games in just 22 days, it might have been sensible to make a change, but the game was finely balanced at 1-0 against Charlton and Howe did not want to take that risk. 

Ritchie was full of running.

I saw Eddie Howe motion to Matt Ritchie with about 15 minutes to go to see if he was okay to carry on and he sharply got the thumbs up in reply. So it is not that Eddie did not consider bringing on Ryan Fraser or Adam Smith, and it can be a negative to change things when you have the upper hand. The last 20 minutes were handled fairly well by the side and considering that the players not involved in international games have had two weeks without matches, there must have been a feeling that some full game time was needed in this match. Against Reading things may be a little different and the subs are likely to get a run out as two games in four days might start to take its toll.

Fraser will be hoping to be part of the game on Tuesday night.

Of the subs named in AFCB's side against Charlton I would expect Ryan Fraser to be the most likely to get a run out at some point on Tuesday night. Ian Harte may well be pressing a claim to have some minutes against one of his former clubs, but Adam Smith is perhaps the one who will be able to add an extra bit of energy if the Cherries are in need of a boost. Dan Gosling can also consider himself unlucky at not being able to get into the side, and he may still be saved further for the Capital One match as he has done so well in that competition. Shaun MacDonald and Eunan O'Kane seem to be the ones missing out though of late, and their task of getting back into this squad should make training competitive.

Ian Harte has seen Charlie Daniels start the last few matches at left back.

We can also assume that Tokelo Rantie might get a few minutes in the Reading match as he should be fully recovered from his travels by then and an evening game would be a good way for him to draw on the atmosphere and to have a few bursting runs that will hopefully lead to a goal or two. I don't see too many changes though from the team that ran out against Charlton as everyone did their job well.   

Fast start sees Cherries inflict first defeat on Addicks 1-0

Match Report

AFCB 1 v 0 Charlton

18 September 2014

Attendance: 10, 360 (including 1388 Charlton fans)

The two teams at Dean Court.

Callum Wilson is already getting a name for himself in the Championship and his seventh netted league goal puts him among the favourites to win the sharp shooter award come the end of season. Yet to heap all the praise on Callum Wilson for ending Charlton's unbeaten run would not do justice to the overall Bournemouth team performance, which had an energy which was purring with such beauty that the result never seemed in doubt after Wilson had put the Cherries ahead after just three minutes.

Bob Peeters, Charlton's manager at Dean Court watches proceedings.

More pictures are available on the Match Day Gallery to view.

Eddie Howe only made the one enforced change from the last match to his starting line up. With Yann Kermorgant ruled out for three matches, Brett Pitman took to the field to make his first league start of the season. The drive and chasing that Pitman showed all game underlined just how much he and all those others waiting in the wings really want to be a part of this team. A few weeks ago we saw concern and doubt at the inability of AFCB to hold on to the points when they had made strong starts to games, but the international break and the 10-man win at Bolton have done wonders for the team's confidence and this result against Charlton is all the more pleasing as it is a home performance that the players can be really proud of.

Charlton came to Dean Court with a superb record and yet they started the game very nervously, Gudmundsson giving the ball away and Ritchie forced a save from Stephen Henderson, down to hi s left as early as the second minute.

Charlton were not so lucky a minute later when Surman provided a pass to Marc Pugh who down the left and nipped past Jordan Cousins, before slipping the ball for Callum Wilson on the edge of the six yard box to put the Cherries 1-0 up from close range. AFCB fans went wild and the Charlton fans had cause to wonder why their team had not gotten out of the starting gates.

Bournemouth were relishing the chance to really go at a team at home and the corners started coming as regular as clockwork on five minutes and seven. Pugh was pushing down the left wing with enthusiasm while Pitman was finding space and springing balls through to Callum Wilson.

Charlton's main threat looked like it would come from Karlan Ahearne-Grant who saw a shot blocked by Tommy Elphick in the 10th minute. Just a moment later he had a better chance darting down the right and fighting off Steve Cook who managed to get three challenges in even when sitting on his pants in the box, which was just enough to stop the Charlton striker. The ball came out to captain Johnnie Jackson but he fired over!

The foul count was quickly mounting as referee James Linnington started to stop the match fairly regularly for offences. Wilson came close to doubling the lead on 15 minutes when a sharply taken free kick from Ritchie found him at the near post, where he promptly stabbed the ball, while the follow up from Surman went over! AFCB were in full flow now and another cross from Francis just escaped the on rushing Pugh.

A moment of alarm cam for the Cherries on 21 minutes when Daniels miss timed a tackle on Johann Berg Gudmundsson. The foul was on the edge of the box on the right side for Charlton and Artur Boruc had to be at his sharpest to palm over the shot from Gudmundsson that was heading for the top left corner of the goal.

Pitman was running everywhere and played a delightful ball up to Wilson who just could not control it as it came over his shoulder. Pitman was then at it again and this time Wilson rounded the keeper, but could only find the side netting as Henderson drove him out wide! More corners kept the pressure on and AFCB were certainly favouring the short corner. The next best move from the Cherries saw Andrew Surman go close as Henderson saved to his left. Shortly after AFCB won a free kick for handball, after Cook had launched a ball back into Charlton's defence. Pitman took the kick but smashed it well over!

As the half closed out Elphick made a good tackle on Igor Vetokele and Arter was fouled not for the first time by Jackson who some how escaped a second yellow. Wilson came close again in another sprint race with Henderson for the ball but he lost out. Then Pitman gave a lose pass that saw Ahearne-Grant break through, only for Elphick to block him out. As Charlton tried to up the pressure before half time a last minute corner for them was well defended and the score stayed 1-0.

Chimes' FanCam interviews Charlton fan Tom pre-kick off.

Half time fun and games.

AFCB subs warm up, but Eunan O'Kane didn't even make the squad.

Second Half
The second half saw Charlton make two substitutes as off went Jackson and lead scorer Vetokele who were replaced by Moussa and Harriott. Charlton started by dallying at the back again though and Wilson might have profited, but for the covering of Bikey Amougou. Charlton soon livened up though and after a few free kicks in the middle of the pitch the Addicks came forward well with Buyens having a deflected shot going out for a corner.

AFCB fans were furious at the professional foul that Chris Solly did on Wilson when he broke free and was about to shoot on 54 minutes, a yellow card was his punishment. Henderson then picked up a yellow card for not letting go of the ball quickly enough when AFCB had won a corner. A Ritchie deflected shot resulted in a further corner.

Charlie Daniels was making more runs down the left wing now and after winning a corner on 61 minutes, Pitman played in Arter who passed on to Surman and his first time shot was saved, before Wilson picked up the rebound and turned finding Arter who smashed his shot against the bar!

On 66 minutes Charlton subbed Gudmundsson for Lawrie Wilson.The Addicks were not getting many shots on AFCB's goal but when Buyens, Cousins and Ahearne-Grant combined, Ahearne-Grant forced Boruc to make a good save down low to his left on 73 minutes.

AFCB looked to be still going for the second goal and Cook headed over on 78 minutes. Pitman had a shot blocked by Ben Haim, but time was running out now and with a series of corners AFCB managed to see out the game fairly comfortably to give Charlton their first defeat of the season. The only threat Charlton could mount was in extra time when Lawrie Wilson had a half chance of a finish with a header at the far post, but Boruc kept him out.

AFCB outshone Charlton to record their second home win in a row.

Just the one goal but it was a comfortable win.

Pitman played his part in the victory. He celebrates with Eddie Howe.

Eddie Howe will be pleased with that performance.

Summary
This game was always likely to be a tight affair. It was hard to see where Charlton were going to get a goal from unless a free kick or corner was met with a good header. They did not look like passing their way through Cook and Elphick who had solid games and Wiggins and Solly found it hard to get out of their own half with AFCB's marauding wing backs causing plenty of need for cover in Charlton's back line, especially when Wilson was likely to pick up any slight chance that Francis or Daniels could create. Although Henderson did not have to make many saves, AFCB were much the better team and the home win will give the Cherries reason to believe they can now look to the Reading game with plenty of confidence.

AFCB
Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Ritchie, Arter, Surman, Pugh, Pitman, Wilson

AFCB Subs
Camp, Hart, Smith, Gosling, Rantie, Fraser, Stanislas

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

Charlton
Henderson, Solly, Ben Haim, Bikey Amougou, Wiggins, Berg Gudmundsson (Wilson), Buyens, Jackson (Moussa 45), Cousins, Adhearne-Grant, Vetokele (Harriott)

Charlton Subs
Pope, Wilson, Morrison, Moussa, Harriott, Fox, Tucudene

Referee watch
James Linnington: 5/10 a bit lenient for me

An added incentive to beat the Addicks

Charlton have shown that the Championship one season does not have to be anything like it the following season. They have the unbeaten record that everyone wants but is so hard to achieve. Even Bob Peeters knows that their run must come to an end sometime soon and he'll then have the task of picking them up and getting them to start another run. There is also added incentive though for teams to be the ones that bring that run to an end though and AFCB are first in line this Saturday.

Ryan Fraser is well capable of taking a game by the scruff of the neck.

I would hope that AFCB's players would see this as a challenge that gives them an extra edge to their game. It is no good being worried about a team that has a great record in the Championship. Yes, they have players that are likely to hurt you if you're not on your game. But what a buzz it would give our players if they can steal a win against the unbeatables? Following up on the Bolton match it would rapidly look as if the Cherries' season was again on the up and a lift is key now heading into several home games.

Charlton play with some good width and will be a team that will try and counter AFCB's flying full backs and I think this is where the game will be won and lost. Making the most of crosses has not been a strength of the Cherries so far, and while Yann will not be available to finish things off, it may well fall to some of those who have not been finding the net regularly to start getting on that score sheet.

You may have your favourites who you would like to see on that score sheet, but for me it is young Ryan Fraser who I would most like to end his drought. Why Fraser? Well, when he scores he lights the place up and he usually gets a taste for goal once he has put one away. Ryan has made eight appearances and four of those were as sub, so he has not really get in the thick of it as much as he might have and I am expecting a big performance from him sooner or later. If he could help end the Addicks run, it would be a pretty good Saturday.  UTCIAD! 

It will hurt Yann not to be involved in Charlton match

Somehow I expect it will be as disappointing to Charlton fans as it will be to the Bournemouth contingent at Dean Court that Yann Kermorgant will not be able to take to the pitch next Saturday. While he has to serve a three match ban it could not really have come at a more inappropriate moment for Yann. Some Charlton fans may feel a little relief in Yann's absence, because former players do have a habit of scoring against their old sides, but I would not be surprised for both sets of fans to sing a few choruses of "Yann Kermorgant!,  Yann Kermorgant!, " during the night minutes if supporters catch sight of him.

Yann will be keeping his feet down from now on.

It takes a special player to really be loved by fans to such a degree that they don't feel that the team is anywhere near the same without them. While Yann has had some below par performances for his high standards this season, he is an integral part of the Cherries now and without him I don't think the team is quite as powerful. Eddie Howe is certainly a big fan of the Frenchman and knows that he can influence a match in a way that inspires others on the field. If Yann has a good game it is rare that the team does not come away with a win and he will be a big miss at home.

Yann may still want to come to the game and encourage his team mates and I expect he has been passing on whatever information he can that might be useful about some of his former team mates. However, Charlton are a much better team than they were last season going by recent results and AFCB will have to find a way to give them lots of problems with Yann Kermorgant.  

When Yann does come back it should be a good boost for the team.

Charlton's scalp will be difficult to take

It is not that often that you get to the middle of October and face an unbeaten side in front of you. Charlton pose just that challenge to AFCB and the steely qualities that the Addicks have shown in not giving away many goals has played a major part in their strong start to the season. Only Brighton and Derby have managed to score more than one goal against Charlton, and it is a record that AFCB are going to have to find an answer to if they are to topple this inform Championship team.

The great problem is that Charlton not only know how to defend. With Igor Vetokele they have unearthed a striker that is finding life in the Championship to his liking on six goals so far. Vetoke is an Angolian international although he played for Belgium up to U21 level. He made his name at FC Copenhagen a couple of years back and has been an instant success at Charlton, picking up September's SkyBet player of the month award. Johnnie Jackson is also likely to offer plenty of strong running up front. He smashed in the late winner against Norwich last month.

Between the sticks they have ex-Bournemouth loanee keeper Stephen Henderson and we all know how well he can keep goal. Less popular is likely to be Rhoys Wiggins with AFCB supporters, while on the other side of the back four or sometimes in midfield is Chris Solley, who always puts in a good shift going forward. The powerhouse at the back though is Andre Bikey-Amougou, who has been a Cameroon international. Bikey has lots of experience of Championship football and likes to scrap for every ball.

Bob Peeters has also given encouragement to young striker Karlan Ahearne-Grant to start more games after his late last minute debut against Norwich. Back in contention will also be Johann Berg Gudmundsson who is their Icelandic a winger and central defender Tal Ben Haim, who trained this week, but midfielder Fredric Bulot is a doubt and Simon Church is certainly out after dislocating his shoulder playing for Wales against Cyprus in mid-week.

Charlton Away Form:
DDDDW

AFCB Home Form:
WLDLW

What's your score prediction? Tweet them to me @peterbell19 You can also get a free voucher when you bet through Free Bet Negotiator.

What's needed to give AFCB's home crowd a boost?

"Wins! Wins! Wins!" I hear you say. But is it that simple? My good friend Michael Dunne has mentioned on his All Department's podcast that the numbers have been significantly lower than might have been expected at recent home matches. It has been noticeable and yet few reasons have been given for the modest home gates of late. 

Take a seat - anywhere you like.

We would all like the home form to be better, but bigger crowd numbers might help those performances. One usually goes with the other. AFCB now sit 11th in the table and while that is a good position, it has not been the home performances that have been the main source of points to elevate them to that position. AFCB have W2, D1, L2  at home in the Championship, but it's early days and you won't win every game.

You would think that playing in front of an away crowd would be more difficult, but that's not been the case for AFCB so far. It is the quietness of Dean Court that has become a bit more of a hazard for the players who have struggled to reach last season's heights at home. I wonder if already some fans have become a bit over expectant on what the team can do in games and may have forgotten that they need to play a part, as they have done so well in the past to give the team that extra momentum to succeed.

Winning has become a bit of a habit in Eddie Howe's two year second reign as we have all seen. The figures speak for themselves - 52W, 22D and just 29L. But if we want that record to remain as strong or get even better it is important that we all continue to come to home games and gives as much vocal support as we can to the 11 players on the pitch.

The club still has a massive disadvantage compared to the financial clout of the fallen Premier League sides in the Championship and the kind of gates that they can attract. If people have been staying at home because of finances I can understand, but with record shirt and merchandise sales I can't see that being the whole story. Topping the league at the start of the season saw attendances well over 10,000, but since then they have fallen to a low of 8480 for the visit of Rotherham, and even the last match at home against Wigan only pulled in 8754 fans, last season that fixture saw a crowd of 9097. I don't believe that fans are tiered of the Championship, and you can't really blame it on the weather as it's only been of late that winter has started to come in.

Last season, it was the Tuesday night match at home against Huddersfied that saw the lowest gate for one of AFCB's league games at 7258, but only that match and the Barnsley Tuesday night fixture fell below 8000. All Saturday games last season were higher than 9000 with the one exception of the Doncaster game that was 8983. So Saturday fixtures are not as strong as they might be this season, but it is the sound that I notice has been quieter. I am sure some big home wins and a climb up the table would raise the statistics, but if they do not start to rise, then it could bring into question how much the club really does need a permanent and bigger stand at the South End?

At least Charlton fans are coming down in numbers for this next match. They sold their allocation of 1424 tickets several days ago. We can't blame the away fans if the gate is not full on Saturday, but the price of watching football is out stretching the cost of living as the BBC's report revealed this week.

What do you think about the attendances at Dean Court? Are they down because of results or are prices really starting to keep people away? Get involved in the discussion with the MatchChat comment tool below.