Aldershot 2 – 2 Cherries

AFC Bournemouth’s poor pre-season campaign continued when they were lucky to get away from Aldershot with a draw.

upthecherries.co.uk regular GaryRB went to last night’s game and here is what he wrote on the message board…

From memory,

Starting X1 of youth keeper, Broadhurst Howe and Cooper as back 3, Hart and Purches pushed up, Foley Browning Cooke across the middle with Fletch and Hayter up front.

1st half was poor, only 2 efforts on goal despite a couple of reasonable chances, a weak looping Fletcher header from 15 yards into keepers hands, then a scuffed long shot easily gathered.

With Hart further forward, their right winger had lots of space to attack Howe which he did more than once. No surprise their goal came from run and cross, ball put across 6 yard line and met by Marcus Gayle(ex Wimbledon etc) who beat Cooper to the ball.

They went 2-0 up when a free kick from sideline half way inside our half was passed infield, player unchallenged so picked his spot from 25 yards and placed it perfectly in top corner. Nice goal

Plenty of possession again and lots of nice passing around in our areas but still no pace or penetration, a continual worry carried over from last season.

2nd half improved, a bit more urgency and settling into it. Deep cross from right went over their last defender, Foley came in from let and met ball just inside edge of bax, and form reasonably tight angle squeezed it under keeper.

We drew level when the ball was dropped into area, Flether turned to shoot from 20 yards but scuffed it into ground it only bouncing forward a few yards, but Hayter reacted quickest and in one movement turned and shot from right hand side of area putting it nicely across the keeper to top corner.

The multitude of subs later in 2nd half saw appearances by Pitman, Hollands, Platt, Maher and Taylor. Nice to see them get a run out although nobody did anything exceptional. Encouraging to see Taylor pick up the ball and want to run at people with pace. Loked very raw, but skinned their full back a couple of times so at least we might get some excitement in that department.

Minus points – Eddie getting skinned with Hart pushed up who was ineffective throughout

Plus Points – Cooper had a good game, nice finish by Hayer

Something new point- Being a warm evening, ref called a drinks break 30minutes into 1st half. Never seen that before

Injured players point – Mossy, Stewart and Cummings spent 2nd half stood behind us watching the game tucking into juicy burgers from the van behind the stand. I assume they are happy with their diet as they are working it off during the day

Dodgy point – Warren in white linen trousers and bright yellow tank top. Looked like he should be living and playing in Brighton…..