AFC Bournemouth take the long trip to Barrow this weekend in the 1st Round of the FA Cup. Following the resilient but in the end worthless game against Leeds, The Cherries will be hoping that they can not suffer another upset similar to the 2005/06 season when they went out to Tamworth.
Barrow play in the Conference North, and are sitting 19th, a place outside the relegation zone. They reached Round 1 following defeating Farsley Celtic in the 4th Qualifying Round after a replay. Colwyn Bay and Fleetwood Town are the other two sides that barrow have already disposed of. Having not won since their last FA Cup game and so big underdogs, Barrow will be hoping to create the magic of the FA Cup by causing an upset.
Vital Quotes:
Kevin Bond`s reflection of the midweek defeat was as follows:
“It was an exciting game and we were disappointed not to get anything from it. No disrespect to Leeds, but I thought the scoreline flattered them? There were a lot of positives to take and if we keep performing like that, we will win more than we lose.’
Following their win against Farsley Celtic in the 4th Qualifying Round, Barrow secretary, Russell Dodd said:
“It`s great to be playing Bournemouth in the next round?We`re expecting a near to full house when we play them and there are always one or two non-League clubs who cause an upset so I hope we can be one of them.’
Barrow Team News:
Despite Barrow`s official website not being the most up-to-date, as you may expect, I have foud this team news off the BBC:
Barrow will be able to call on leading scorers Kyle Wilson and Nick Rogan after the pair needed stitches following a clash of heads in training.
Player to watch: Steve McNulty
Scored the winner against Farsley Celtic for his second goal of the season. Joined the club this summer, having started his career at Liverpool, reaching the reserve team before being released and moving to Burscough and Vauxhall before reaching Barrow. Being a defender though, The Cherries will hope his defensive instincts are put to use instead.
AFC Bournemouth Team News:
Darren Anderton is out after coming off with a hamstring injury on Tuesday night. Shaun Cooper appears to have recovered from his dead leg a week ago, but Garry, Perrett, Foley, Bartley, Christophe, and Cummings are still long-term injuries. Max Gradel is still away on compassionate leave. Adam Lallana`s one-month loan spell ended against Leeds, though it is looking to be extended by Kevin Bond.
Two of the four lads on loan from Reading have been permitted to play – Jem Karacen and Scott Golbourne. However, Reading have refused permission for Alex Pearce and James Henry to play. Neil Young, who is expected to play for Weymouth will become cup-tied and ineligible for any future AFCB FA Cup games this season, if he plays for The Terras.
Player to watch: Sam Vokes
With Lee Bradbury suspended following his petulance against Leeds, it is expected to the big teenage Welshman will be given his opportunity in the starting XI. Committed to every ball he challenges for, his goalscoring record internationally isn`t too bad either. Hopefully, he`ll add to that with his first goal for AFCB this season on Saturday.
Match Facts & Stats
Current Form:
Barrow – W L D W L L
AFCB – W L L D W L
Barrow at Home:
Played 7, Won 2, Drawn 2, Lost 3, Scored 7, Conceded 8, Points 8
AFCB away from home:
Played 7, Won 3, Drawn 1, Lost 3, Scored 10, Conceded 9, Points 10
Ref Watch:
No website seems to have published the referee appointments for the weekend`s ties. So it will be a nice surprise for everyone!
Match Prediction:
Being the FA Cup there`s always the chance of an upset, and with The Cherries not on fire this season, Barrow may fancy their chances. However, I believe the forward play of AFCB will take them through to Round 2: 2-0.
Next Fixtures:
AFC Bournemouth v Milton Keynes Dons (Johnstone`s Paint Trophy Southern Quarter-Final, Tuesday 13th November 2007, 7.45pm)
