This is a fan’s personal view of AFC Bournemouth from the outside looking in. It reports on the daily official activities reported by the club and comments made by individual fans on social media and fanbase websites. Life as an AFCB fan is never dull. As a life-long supporter of the Cherries, it is the friendliness of the staff, fans and my enthusiasm for the club that inspired me to write this blog.
As usual it was going to be a long drive down to Bournemouth from Redhill. It was the early start of 6.30am which we were not so happy about - thanks ITV for the early kick off time! Still, sleepy-eyed we hustled into the car and were soon past Winchester and on to Bournemouth. Stephen and Robert were dressed for the cold but totally buzzing for today's big match. Their aim was to fill their programmes with as many autographs as they could get so first stop was an early visit to the club shop.
Stephen asks where is everyone?
Robert watches young players training.
Stephen along side the Ted MacDougall side of the ground.
While there was less than 20 people hanging around the front concourse at Dean Court at 8.30am, we decided to hurry into the shop and buy the programmes as quick as we could to ensure a good spot on the barriers by reception for the rest of the morning. We were pleased to leave the shop with a handful of programmes and a joint AFCB/Liverpool scarf - hey I supported both clubs in my youth, so I make no excuse for purchasing a souvenir for the day - it all goes to help out club!
Early on the front ropes, Stephen and Robert set about autograph hunting.
Stephen tries to hide the joy of getting Ryan Fraser's signature.
Tommy Elphick is loaded up with goods. Not that fair to ask
him to sign with his arms full of stuff - but he manages it.
Then we waited for players and celebrities to arrive. We spotted young Ryan Fraser first and nabbed his autograph. Tommy Elphick was next and I got him to sign my programme as well and wished him luck for the game.
Charlie Daniels with Stephen.
Charlie Daniels signs Robert's programme.
It as at this point we saw a Liverpool fan arrive selling his fanzine magazine which caused the boys to laugh as he had to hold his arm up for a long time with his fanzine waiting for any early pool fans to arrive. Charlie Daniels came in with what looked like his bathroom bag. We then spotted Stephane Zubar by his car but before we could ask him about how his knee was and if he was back training, he was off!
Stephane Zubar makes a surprise appearance. ZUBAR!!!
Jason Tindall was clutching a pair of trainers so perhaps he was hoping to play. Sorry Jason, not this time. By now it was getting busy. The official photographers were about the place and asking us to pose for their respective publications. Chairman, Jeff Moystn arrived in his grey suit and talked to us for a short while. I praised him for his recent interview on All Departments and he thanked us for our support for the club. We wished him luck for the day.
Jason Tindall is keen to get going.
Jeff Mostyn is calm as ever.
The photographers move in.
Brett Pitman gets ready to sign.
Steve Cook - no hanging about.
Lewis Grabban looks forward to playing Liverpool.
Brett Pitman was all smiles as he came over to us. Steve Cook was in a hurry and dashed straight in, but Lewis Grabban was happy to fill the boys programmes up with another signature. Andrew Surman asked us if we were feeling all right and despite our sleepy eyes we said "yes, simply buzzing for the game!" We asked more importantly how he was doing? And he said," Just fine, looking forward to it."
Andrew Surman makes a tour to come and talk to us.
Ryan Allsop spots a regular AFCB fan.
Eunan O'Kane says hello.
Simon Francis - sharp exit right.
Gabriel Clarke was particularly pleased to talk to us.
Elliott Ward - what has he got in that bag?
Laurie McMenamin enters the Main Reception.
Allsop, O'Kane and Simon Francis followed in before we had a little chat with Gabriel Clarke of ITV. We joking said we did not have his picture in the programme but we desperately wanted his signature, so he very kindly came over and said he would do the biggest signature then on the back cover and use all the space up. He even asked the boys names and ensured he had them right and wrote best wishes. Elliott Ward then came in with what we reckon was the biggest man bag of the day. He was followed by Southampton ex-manger Laurie McMenamin - maybe some of his 1976 club luck could rub off on the Cherries I thought.
Liverpool's team coach arrives.
The Liverpool coach finally arrived next and we got ready with the surge from behind pressing us right up against the ropes by this stage. Off came the Liverpool stars one by one, but it was a shame that none of them stopped to sign anything. The camera men were right in front of us now but we tried to take some video footage of the players coming off the coach (I apologise if you hear any foul language on the videos - I don't have the software to bleep it out).
WARNING BAD language: Brendan Rodgers, Martin Skrtel and Martin Kelly arrive. (plus camera man who would not get out of the way!)
WARNING BAD language:More Liverpool players come off the coach at Dean Court including: Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Stirling, Victor Moses, Brad Jones, Iago Aspas, Kolo Toure, Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez with drink.
We decided to go around the ground after that to take in some of the atmosphere and goings on as the fans turned up. We headed for the North stand where ITV had constructed their hideaway commentary box. Who should we see but Roy Keane waving and smiling at the fans below.
The ground is filling up now.
Roy Keane shares a joke with fans. Sadly he didn't have his boots with him.
The Ted MacDougall stand. This is as close as e could get.
Further round we were diverted away from the Ted MacDougall stand as only Liverpool supporters with tickets were allowed anywhere near it. The security checks looked rigorous and yet once again away supporters managed to smuggle in a smoke grenade which went off after the first goal.
Steve Fletcher in his nice big coat!
We entered the Family stand and had a quick bite to eat while the players warmed up. We saw Steve Fletcher getting interviewed in front of us with the lady interviewer having to watch her step in her non too clever footwear choice.
Eunan O'Kane speaks to the cameras.
Eddie Howe does his pitch side interview for the
cameras. It looks like the lady can't keep her eyes open - spellbound by Eddie's good looks.
Teams come on to the pitch at Dean Court. Robert's arm makes a guest appearance.
You'll see all our photographs of the player warm ups and the crowd in our Match Day Gallery. All Departments' Kangaroo Court of AFCB 0 v 2 Liverpool is live to view at All Departments websiteor on our side bar.
It was no easy victory for Liverpool FC against the Cherries but they had enough in their locker to see out a spirited Bournemouth team who had invention and determination, but couldn't quite manage a goal. I had thought that AFCB would need Brendan Rodgers to leave out three or so of his stars for the Cherries to have a good chance of progressing to the next round of the cup. But Rodgers chose instead to play all his top players, while still having a strong bench.
Lliverpool fans at Dean Court.
Considering Liverpool have a n important derby match against Everton on Tuesday night that was giving a lot of respect to the AFCB team and Eddie Howe. In hindsight it was the right thing for Rodgers to do, but it could have gone wrong if some of his players had picked up injuries. As it was only Skrtel suffered with a head injury and he went on to complete 90 minutes. While Eddie Howe said he was not despondent, he may be slightly surprised that his team did not manage to score at home with the amount of chances they created. Converting those chances is something that they will hope to do on Tuesday night when they play Huddersfield Town.
Brendan Rodgers speaks to Gabriele Clarke.
The game against Liverpool was very tactical and Liverpool got their goals at great times for them. Liverpool's early attack after 26 minutes and Sturridge's finish on 59 minutes were hammer blows. But AFCB's players kept going and ran themselves hard even though things did not work out quite how they would have liked. If they had just taken one of their opportunities early on it could have been a very different game with a noisy crowd behind the Cherries. Still it was a special day for those who attended and for many more who will have been keen to watch the game on the TV. Liverpool were class throughout and that even extends to their manager who had some extremely kind and thoughtful words to say about Eddie Howe and his team. AFCB are headed in the right direction as an incisive, passing team. "Bournemouth are a very good side and I give credit to them first of all. It is a great idea to play the game... Eddie's similar to myself in terms of philosophy of football and it's not easy when you are a manager, especially a young manager and you stick your head out and get teams to play and to pass the ball but he certainly does that and you see the great work that he does with his staff on the training field," said Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool FC manager. "They were excellent." When asked if the pitch was too nice and the way AFCB play was too nice to expect a giant killing, Rodgers replied. "When you have a team that want to play football, they are the most courageous players on the field. I don't think it's too nice. It's easy to coach a team to sit back and not ant the ball and defend and just wait for a hump up the pitch. The courage that the Bournemouth players showed today was fantastic. To get on the ball, the bravery of the players, the centre halves, to drop in a midfield player to get on it, to make the game, create chances and to create openings.. and they've got better at it as the season has gone on." Listen to the Brendan Rodgers press conference video in full.
Brendan Rodgers applauds the way AFCB play their football.
Yesterday's photos around the ground are now uploaded atMatch Day Gallery.
Today had been built up as one of those days in the football calender when shocks can happen. The FA Cup ticket for the fourth round match of AFCB v Liverpool was the hottest ticket in town and if you did not manage to secure a ticket, the TV screen was no doubt a welcome but second best. Either way you will have seen Eddie Howe's team take on some of today's Premiership stars in a line up that didn't disappoint and was fitting for the occasion. With Brendan Rodgers looking on from his dugout and Roy Keane sampling the sea air from his hide away commentary box along with Gabriel Clarke and Clive Tyldesley, we were ready to see how the Championship seasiders would go against the seven times FA Cup Champions.
AFCB team photo.
The North stand brings the inflatables.
The atmosphere in the ground was pumping with a near maximum capacity apart from where the TV cameras sat. The electronic hoardings were squeezed into place leaving no room for long throw ins and a trail of water on the walkways were evidence that the pitch coverings released a lot of water when they had finally been removed for the showpiece match. Something inside of me felt that while it would be amazing to see Gerrard, Sturridge, Suarez and company on the pitch. Their inclusion from the start would mean less of a chance for an upset, but I hoped that the Cherries would be able to compete and from that aspect they did not disappoint. AFCB started lively by winning a corner in the first minute and while Jones could not get to the ball cleanly the Cherries ended up with a second corner. O'Kane and Daniels tried to recover the situation but Grabban was caught offside. Henderson then lost the ball and Daniels sent in a cross that Surman headed over. It was just the kind of start that I had been hoping for. AFCB were really going for Liverpool. Further pressure was applied as Coutinho fouled O'Kane. Henderson was spewing his passes out of play while AFCB looked to take control. Skrtel had to make a strong tackle on Grabban as he raced towards goal, while Pugh had a shot blocked. Suarez was making himself felt as he fouled Elphick on five minutes, but Liverpool started to look a little more at ease for the next few minutes as they passed the ball around. Kolo Toure floated a long ball up for Aly Cissokho but saw it run out of play. Moses and Henderson were doing battle with O'Kane and Ward, and when AFCB broke with Surman he looked for Pugh on the left but ran out of pitch. Liverpool then threatened with Gerrard playing a ball through to Suarez who was given offside. O'Kane had the crowd up again as he left Couthino on the floor. AFCB started to force things again with a cross from Surman that was blocked and a Daniels' shot that was deflected for a corner on 11 minutes. Toure headed clear but as Pugh was fouled, AFCB had a free kick wide out on the left. Francis' delivery was more of a shot in the end that Jones had to tip over!
Jones was keen to punch on corners and while AFCB threatened in the first 15 minutes, there was no end product. Jones was now catching the crosses that Surman was delivering and no Bournemouth player was getting close enough. Meanwhile, Moses and Coutinho were cooking up trouble at the other end on the left wing with Moses leaving Francis on the floor, with worrying ease, as he reached the byline, although Elphick was able to clear. Liverpool were getting into their groove with Moses, Coutinho, Henderson and Toure getting on the ball as well as Gerrard. Sturridge though was not timing his runs quite right and was given offside. AFCB looked to get O'Kane on the ball while he launched a pass for Grabban to go for that Jones came out to clear from goal. Ritchie then picked up a free kick in the right hand corner, but Ward headed wide. Suarez was keeping busy with lots of runs but he hadn't managed to get a clear opportunity to show off his striking talents with some 20 minutes gone, Elphick mainly thwarting his chances. But Gerrard was worryingly finding Moses in space on the left wing more frequently. Grabban was having a personal battle with Toure which included shirt tugging as they both raced for the ball. A few moments later Surman and Couthino clashed heads but both recovered okay. Arter's foul on Suarez though had the home crowd fearful on 24 minutes as it was on the edge of the box in a good shooting position. While Gerrard and Suarez stood over the ball, it was Gerrard that struck it well over the crossbar! That's close enough, I thought. However, that was merely a prelude though to another attack a minute later. This time Liverpool came down the right with Suarez and his whipped in cross found Moses free on the left edge of the box, a quick control and shimmy to his right and he had some space to let a shot go hard and low to Camp's left. Camp didn't get down quick enough and the ball hit the back of the net bottom right corner. It was 0:1 to the visitors and the carnival atmosphere went quiet! AFCB's response was almost immediate with Arter getting Grabban in at goal on the right only for his shot to be saved by the keeper down low. While Liverpool blocked and kept their shape, more corners still came. The next ended in a Ricthie shot and as the half hour arrived Arter blasted his shot wide. AFCB were shooting but the keeper wasn't being tested, a familiar story. When Liverpool broke and crossed it was Elphick coming to the rescue on most occasions, while O'Kane's influence was slowly growing. There was a great chance on 35 minutes when Suman took a driven shot that was deflected off of Toure when it had looked goal bound. Elphick then had a clear header from the corner but put it over! Liverpool also had their chances with Henderson being the culprit on 37 minutes when Suarez had pulled a good ball back to him on the penalty spot, which the English midfielder sent high into the North stand. At the other end Arter was shooting high and then right at the keeper when he might have done better. A minute later Daniels shot was blocked. Liverpool tried to extend their advantage on the break, Sturridge getting caught offside again but showing that he could finish after the whistle had gone. Arter then had a shot from the edge of the box charged down by Skrtel for a corner which was cleared. AFCB won one last corner in the half the ball was comfortably taken by Jones at waiste height. AFCB's cover was proving fairly good as half time was reached. 0:1 down was not insurmountable and the Cherries would be kicking towards the North stand in the second half.
Liverpool players come back on the pitch after half time.
Second Half Liverpool came out looking to play keep ball, but Surman eventually got a toe in to break up the Liverpool party. AFCB's next attack was looking promising with Daniels and Pugh on the left but then Surman slipped in the box and the opportunity was gone. Grabban then benefited from a Daniels run with Henderson just keeping him out. Skrtel and Kelly got the ball away, but Pugh soon arrived back in the box, although Ritchie and Grabban were forced out wide. When Grabban returned the ball in and Surman and Skrtel went for a header and Skrtel came off worse. Play was stopped and Skrtel had to have attention to a head injury and stopped the game for a while but Surman was okay sooner. While another corner resulted in Elphick heading wide, we began to wonder if Eddie would make some changes. Arter won another corner much to Gerrard's annoyance and his back chat landed him a yellow card on 56 minutes. He had thought the assistant referee should have flagged for offside and talked his way into the book. The corner was important because Francis went down under shirt pulling from Kelly, but the referee did not see it. Skrtel then returned with a non-too fetching black head cap and no number on his shirt. When Suarez was then fouled on half way, Liverpool again showed their class on 59 minutes. The kick was quickly taken and Suarez played in Sturridge with a pass between Ward and Daniels. Sturridge simply raced on to the pass and struck his shot across camp to the far corner and that was that. Liverpool were 0:2 up! Given the opportunity Liverpool found the clear strike to give them breathing space. How AFCB could have done with some of that finishing talent.
From the restart AFCB were straight on the attack but Surman could not get a shot off much to AFCB supporters' frustration. Ritchie won a free kick on the edge of Liverpool's box but when it was rolled to him he hit his shot well wide. Liverpool were still looking for more goals with their crowd now in full voice. Lee Camp had to come out quickly to deny Suarez, after Coutinho had spotted Suarez on the move. A moment of magic came from Eunan O'Kane from the left touchline when he waltzed pass three white shirts before passing to Pugh, although the move came to nothing. Gerrard was meanwhile starting to make his signature passes in swapping play from one wing to another, as if AFCB needed stretching any further! Moses was still looking sharp, although Liverpool did not profit from their next corner. More impressive was Sturridge who had been quiet but just had a sudden pot shot at goal from the left side and had camp back peddling before the ball hit the bar and went over. With the game sliding away Eddie Howe brought on Fraser for Ritchie and Rantie for Pugh on 72 minutes. Liverpool also subbed Kelly for Flanagan. Liverpool were seeing out the game with relative ease though. Moses tried his luck after a corner but shot wide from the left wing. AFCB had not brought their shooting boots today. Even when Surman looked in from an O'Kane pass he shot over. Pitman also came on for the last 15 or so minutes, replacing Arter. The Cherries did look like they were running out of steam by now. Rantie was making some runs but not managing to keep hold of the ball. Grabban too was still making himself available. With less than 10 minutes to go Moses was replaced by Raheem Sterling and Coutinho was subbed for Luis Alberto. AFCB plugged on although the frustration from Daniels was clear when he crossed to see know one in the box, giving Jones a simple catch. The best save Jones made though was from Grabban on 89 minutes when he pushed a drive over for a corner. There was a funny moment near the end when Pitman tripped over his own boots as he landed in the penalty area with no Liverpool player near him. But that was the last real opportunity for AFCB. Even in extra time Suarez was trying to get on the score sheet and only Camp managed to stop him from adding to the scoreline with a strong right hand low down. The game had gone though and Liverpool were through to the Fifth round of the FA Cup.
Summary AFCB's players will look back on this experience as a valuable encounter. While they did not manage to make Jones make as many saves as they would have liked they did play some very attractive football and did not look at all out of place on the pitch with some of the best that the Premiership has to offer. It is in the final third where they fall short like so many teams. There was no complacency at the back today and Elphick I though had one of his best games, while O'Kane is fast becoming the player that the rest of the team are looking towards to set the pace and tone of the performance - another good Man of the Match stint from him. Eddie Howe can have a lot to be proud of today. His team did not falter or freeze. They gave it a good go and will know that they need to take their chances if they are to become a better team. You may get less time to ensure you can have an accurate shot against these top teams but learning to make the space and snap the shots off quickly is something that can be worked on. The strategy, comfort on the ball and quick triangular play are becoming second nature. Beating top teams though is not easy and it's okay to know when you come up a bit short, but the AFCB players gave their all today and Liverpool deserved their victory. AFCB Camp, Daniels, Elphick, Ward, Francis, Ritchie (Fraser 72), Arter (Pitman 75), O'Kane, Surman, Pugh (Rantie 72), Grabban AFCB Subs: Allsop, Harte, Fraser, Pitman, Cook, MacDonald, Rantie AFCB Ratings Camp 7, Daniels 7, Elphick 8, Ward 7, Francis 6, Ritchie 6, Arter 6, O'Kane 8, Surman 7, Pugh 7, Grabban 6. Liverpool Jones, Kelly (Flanagan 73), Toure, Skrtel, Cissokho, Moses (Sterling 83), Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho (Alberto 84), Suarez, Sturridge. Liverpool subs: Mignolet, Alberto, Aspas, Sterling, Ibe, Flanagan, Sama.
Another great game from Eunan O'Kane.
Many more pictures to come on tomorrow's Match Day Gallery. Extended match highlights
Special days like this don't come around that often. A capacity crowd and some quality opposition will be enough to excite most but being the FA Cup and a team like Liverpool opposing our developing Cherries is a match that should live long in the memory. I am pleased the cameras are here because it is about time that AFCB were given the higher profile that they have been working so hard towards. All week I have had a smile on my face when those ITV adverts proclaim the fourth round begins with AFC Bournemouth talking on Liverpool. It's a match that may not grip the whole footballing nation, but for our club and town it is massive.
Will the main stand be a scene of celebration after the game?
There was talk before the Real Madrid match that we hoped our players would not freeze on the big occasion. That match will have put them in good stead for games like today's when their is a big prize of a scalp to be had. The Real Madrid match passed by so very quickly and I hope that AFCB know that they have to get into Liverpool right away and not let such a chance slip them by, because it will be the Liverpool players that will be nervous for the first 10 minutes. When Liverpool's stars visit the sparkling Goldsands stadium that is Dean Court, they will know that even this seaside club has a wonderful arena in which to play football and even for experienced players their adrenaline will be running high.
Liverpool won't know exactly how Bournemouth will play (Brendan Rodgers you can keep thinking it's 4-3-3 if you like) even if they say they have done their homework. Eddie Howe has some players that they won't have seen if he chooses to play them and knowing Eddie he will probably have one surprise up his sleeve.
Ryan Fraser is likely test Liverpool's right back
position with his pace if he gets the nod over Pugh.
I would like to see Ryan Fraser playing in this match. His speed and dazzling runs could unlock the door for AFCB and he will be fresh having not played last weekend. It would certainly give the commentators something to talk about if the young Scot has a big day - I can already see Gordon Strachan getting very excited. Let's just hope he doesn't talk about his old Southampton too much. For this is AFCB's big day and the town will be glued to the box if they have not got a ticket. Enjoy the day and let's see if Eddie Howe can lead his team to their greatest triumph to date. We are already proud of AFCB, but they can make us even prouder to be supporters of the Cherries today. UTCIAD! CROWDSCORES I've been approached by the owners of a new football App called CrowdScores who have a special competition for AFCB fans to win a signed shirt. CrowdScores invites fans to get more involved to report on matches and to report on KO, HT and FT. The winner is the writer who earns the most points. The competition is free to enter - see the CrowdScores' website to find out more and download the App. I will be retweeting CrowdScored when I can and the competition includes the Liverpool and Huddersfield games.
While AFCB play Liverpool in a one off game this weekend where anything can happen, the gap between the two sides in terms of resources is a massive one. It is not just the size of the clubs that is side apart but the fan base, the city compared to the town and the financial baking and playing squads. All that may seem daunting to a club trying to knock the seven times FA Cup champions out of the competition, but there is a factor or two that are on Bournemouth's side.
There should be plenty of colour on show at Dean Court.
Firstly, Eddie Howe is no mean tactician and he will have prepared his team with his backroom staff as well as possible for the game. He will want nothing more than a performance that does the town proud and the players will want that too.
Secondly, what have Bournemouth got to lose? If they get well beaten then it is just another lesson in the road of experience and will stand them in good stead for the next big occasion.
Thirdly, AFCB are at home. Some will say that this is not an advantage looking at the Championship's home form but it has to give the Cherries a chance to be the team that settles first and sticks to its task on a pitch they know, in front of a crowd that is mainly behind them. I'm open minded as to the possibility of a thumping from Liverpool or an upset. But bridging the gap to Liverpool on the field with 11 against 11 is something that the Cherries can do in a one off game. It may take many years to reach the Premiership and if the Cherries do get there they still would have a massive task to compete with teams like Liverpool, but the gap has been closing over the last few seasons. Jeff Mostyn talked this week on theAll Departments' podcastof some teams perhaps on their way down while AFCB are one of a few clubs marching up the leagues. At some point that progress was likely to slow and level out, but if the Cherries can win a game like the match this weekend and carry that momentum on to their league campaign then the strides they will be taking in such games are huge. It simply is an FA Cup tie that AFCB will not be the loser even if Liverpool score many more goals than the Cherries. The spirit of the club and it's growing fan base are pushing the club to days like this and Liverpool fans will see that while they may have the superstars and the reputation, the smaller clubs like AFCB lack no passion or fight and our supporters and players will be giving it 110 per cent. If the Reds are not up for the match, they could be in for a rude surprise and that gap may simply disappear over night in terms of the cup. But while progression to the next round would be sweet, there are bigger dreams for this south coast to aim for. So we will enjoy the day and look to the future, win or lose, knowing that this is a stepping stone that may lead to better things.
CROWDSCORES Finally, I've been approached by the owners of a new football App called CrowdScores who have a special competition for AFCB fans to win a signed shirt. CrowdScores invites fans to get more involved to report on matches and to report on KO, HT and FT. The winner is the writer who earns the most points. The competition is free to enter - see the CrowdScores' website to find out more and download the App. I will be retweeting CrowdScored when I can and the competition includes the Liverpool and Huddersfield games.
Liverpool have a great record in the FA Cup. They have enjoyed some great finals and it is not a big surprise for their fans to reach the final stages of the competition. The final that I most think of for Liverpool is probably the 2006 match when they drew 3:3 with West Ham in what was known as the Steven Gerrard final when he hit a 30 odd yard screamer to deny the Hammers when it had looked like the cup was on its way to London.
The 1980s were probably the best period for Liverpool in the cup and while they managed three appearances in the final, they won two of those games - annoying little Wimbledon had a good game in 1988! In the 1970s they also achieved three final appearances and won two, but in the 1990s they only managed two finals and one just one of them, while they similarly appeared twice in the naughties and won once in extra time against the Hammers as mentioned. This decade they made the final in 2011-12 but lost to Chelsea. I think AFCB fans would not mind just making the final once, although I suspect we would settle for a fourth round win this season, because it is like our cup final. That is not to say that a win against Liverpool is impossible. Their defeat last season to Oldham Athletic shows that they are not always good travellers and coming to the south coast will be strange surroundings for the Reds.
Dean Court is not quite Anfield, but we love it.
AFCB have to put doubts in the minds of the seasoned pros at Liverpool and we can play our part as the crowd in getting behind the team and making a real cauldron of sound. It is a once in a life time opportunity almost for AFCB supporters and the players to have a special day. History may be in Liverpool's favour, but it will all be on the day and if AFCB players have a bit of luck and the right attitude it could be a long journey back to Merseyside for the Reds!
This is the question that we all want to know the answer to - after all it could be important for our accumulators this weekend. While financial incentive may be all that is behind some fans desire to see the game won by one side or the other, there are some of us who actually think there is a chance that AFCB can do something special like in 1984 against Man Utd. Okay, the game is being played at 12.45pm and not at night under the floodlights. There is no Harry Redknapp urging the team on, although QPR don't have a game this weekend and I reckon he'll be at the game. Milton Graham or Ian Thompson may not be around to stick the ball in the for the Cherries either, but we have some pretty good players who could make a name for themselves.
Tommy Elphick will lead AFCB against the favourite team of his boyhood.
Tommy Elphick will be very proud to lead the Cherries out and he'll know that this is the biggest game of his life. His routine won't change pre-match and we should see him clinging on to that goal post, but at the end of the game we could see him do some mad celebrations if things goal according to plan for Eddie Howe. Lewis Grabban has been doing the business in regularly getting on the score sheet and AFCB's midfield players of Marc Pugh, Ryan Fraser and Matt Ritchie are starting to find the back of the net as well. It will be about these players playing at their maximum potential if AFCB are to progress. The cameras will be at the ground and they are only their for one reason - they want to see if their can be a shock. I hope Eddie makes the players aware of that. The cameras should be seen as the players friends, because the neutrals will be behind the underdog in every bar and lounge in the country where the game is being shown, with very the big exception of the city of Liverpool. Oldham showed last season that Liverpool can be beaten away from home so let's hope that AFCB can make it difficult for the Premiership giants.
The Ted MacDougall stand will be packed with Liverpool fans.
Getting Liverpool to defend and face their own goal will be the battle that AFCB have to win. With the pace of the Cherries front players they will be looking to give the Liverpool defence a thorough testing, but the time to score in this game is going to be crucial. Score early and Brendan Rodgers will surely put more of his senior players on early to recover the game. Keep things tight and get a goal in the last half hour and things could get interesting.
With Liverpool facing Everton in the Merseyside derby on Tuesday night there has to be a chance that Brendan Rodgers will leave Suarez and Gerrard on the bench, but he could chose to rest other players instead. We know that Lucas is out following injury against Aston Villa and I also heard that Glen Johnson is out injured, but it hardly weakens the Liverpool squad for this game. Mohamed Sakho or Jon Flanaghan are likely replacements at right back. I believe AFCB will need Rodgers to leave out three or four top players to be able to boss this game. On any day AFCB can play some sublime football and this is the day to try and do it and show that they could be a Premiership outfit one day. A win would not only be good for the town and the players own confidence it would give them the belief to do even better in the Championship. If you fancy that flutter I believe AFCB are about 9-1 against. A cup exit would not be the end of the world for the Cherries, but it must be the aim of our players to test themselves against quality opposition. Even if Liverpool play a slightly weaker side from their best team, AFCB players should not be disappointed but see it as a chance to cause an upset. If the attitude is right and the performance is good, it just could be a very exciting day. And that is what we love about the FA Cup.
