AFC Bournemouth supporters would have been forgiven for leaving Dean Court following the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United like they had witnessed a last minute defeat.
The Mike Dean show was in full force on the south coast, with both sets of supporters left frustrated with the Premier League celebrity referee being, at best, inconsistent with his decisions.
He was also very liberal with his timekeeping, whilst football supporters all know that the announced time added on at the end of each half is a “minimum of”, it felt like Dean was sticking his finger up in the air and randomly choosing when to end proceedings during this match, to Newcastle’s benefit at the end of the first and second halves.
Newcastle’s opener came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, a dubious free kick awarded by Dean for a foul from Ibe. The free kick curled into the wall side of the goal leaving Boruc little chance.
The game was then turned around with AFC Bournemouth striker Joshua King bagging a brace, the first from the penalty spot after Nathan Ake had been strangled, the second after great hold up play from Dom Solanke enabled King to curl one into the far post.
Whilst many AFC Bournemouth fans felt nostalgic with the return of Matt Ritchie to Dean Court, they were quickly reminded where his loyalty now stands as peeled off to celebrate his stunning last-minute equaliser, which came in the fourth minute of stoppage time, sparking jubilant scenes in the away section leading to a number of arrests.
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe told afcb.co.uk…
“It’s a difficult one to take today. It wasn’t the perfect game from us and we found the first half quite difficult, but we had a much improved second-half display.
“Until we went 2-1 up, I thought we were the dominant team. Newcastle put pressure on late but we defended really well at times and looked like we were going to see the game out, until the ball fell to Matt’s left foot.”
“It’s bizarre how football can find these stories. The ball fell to him and he was probably the one player on the pitch we didn’t want the ball to fall to on his left foot because we know he can strike the ball from distance…”
“…It’s a horrible feeling as a football manager when you concede so late in the game, and I’m sure I speak on behalf of the Bournemouth supporters as well. That’s what makes the game so special, it’s not over until it’s over.”
Your say…
kirsikka wrote…
We’ve fallen into a habit of conceding right at the start and end of halves. It’s pretty damaging to us.
Shame we tried to shut up shop after scoring the second as we didn’t have the personnel on the pitch for it, hence constant pressure.
Oh well. A points a point but should have been three. – Join the conversation, click here.
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