This won’t be a game that will trouble the DVD sales in the shop. It won’t be enough to stop us going down. It was however the coming of age of our potentially great centre forward Sam Vokes.
In a going through the motions battle of two average sides it was the teenage prodigy’s opportunist header and classy finish that lifted the game and took the points for a stop start Cherries side.
With Hollands back to add presence in midfield, Cooper restored to right back and Younger in the middle – Pearce stepped down from the side that drew here last Saturday. As with Saturday the Cherries sprung into life with all the running to take an early lead. In the sixth minute, following a miskick by Pools keeper Lee-Barrett, Gradels stinging volley was deflected over the bar by Lee. From the resulting corner Cummings cross was met by the onrushing VOKES at the near post to power a header into the opposite corner.
If anything the goal seemed to breath more life into the visitors – who had the majority of possession for the next twenty minutes. There were arguably harsh bookings for Bartley and Bradbury as we tried to get into the game. Our snappy midfield and resolute defence saw Pools have only one chance in this period though – Lee heading over a good chance from a corner.
The final fifteen of the first half was the best spell of the game – with great chances at both ends. First Bradbury brilliantly released Kuffour whose curled shot from the edge of the box was superbly tipped wide by Lee – Barratt. Straight down the other end and Stewarts brilliant block denied the diminuitive Foley (must be something about that name and height) after Humphries free-kick deflected into his path.
Eager to keep the end to end momentum going Stewart got up to release Cummings who ran the length of the pitch to square for Gradel to flash a shot inches wide. Meanwhile, back at the other end, Foleys lofted pass gave Hartlepool their best chance of the match as it fell to an unmarked Craddock on the edge of the six yard box, leaning backwards the lanky Pools wideman fired over.
Just before half time Gareth Stewarts unfortunate career took another turn for the worse as he was stretchered off after falling innoculously claiming a high cross – Ryan Price entered the arena to a good reception. He was in place to witness the games pivotal goal. The old cliche always informs us the best time to score a goal is just before half time. VOKES has obviously picked this little gem up – waiting until the second min of injury time to pick up a loose ball from Bartleys immense block tackle and run on to curl the ball past Lee-Barrett like a veteran. A superb goal to make that cup of tea taste sweeter.
HT – Cherries 2 Hartlepool 0
The second half was instantly forgettable – again Bournemouth failing to dominant a side clearly smarting from a half time chat and sitting back, much to the bench’s annoyance.
The only real talking point against a Hartlepool side so well marshalled by Gowling, Young, Bartley and Hollands was whether Vokes would get his maiden hattrick. His best chance came just three minutes after the break where he spun his way clean through but his high shot enabled Lee – Barratt to tip over when a low one might have got the match ball.
The next twenty miutes were very frustrating as Hartlepool retained possession very easily and we dropped deeper and deeper. Young and Gowling were doing a tremendous job protecting Pryce though – in particular Josh who made the block of the match to stop a likely goal when substitute Monkhouse had brilliantly made space.
We changed shape a few times trying to win possession back and also brought on Pitman and Tessem – but to little real avail. Vokes last chance came when Lee just got in front of him after a tremendous fizzing cross from Bradbury.
With the clock ticking down there was one final flurry of activity – Gradels run was mazy but his shot was parried and then in the final five the little Ivorian winger brilliantly worked himself clear for Lee Barratt to make a supreme double save to deny Gradel first and Pitmans follow up. There was only time left for Cooper to pick up a yellow to cap off a poor afternoon for him for a needless hand-ball.
FT – Cherries 2 Hartlepool 0
Player Ratings
Stewart 7
Best afternoon for a long while until his injury. Good saves and excellent handling before freak injury.
Cooper 5
One of his ‘oh Cooper’ days – poor distribution and brushed off ball way to easily.
Young 7
Much better in the middle than at full back – the game comes to him and he reads it well.
Gowling 7
A very commanding performance – looked back to the Josh we know and love.
Cummings 6
Tidy defending and one or two barn storming runs.
Gradel 7
Constant threat against veteran Humphreys, good movement.
Hollands 6
Eased his way back in quietly – Bartley enables him to sit more.
Bartley 7
A folk hero in the making? Strong, quick – must be a nightmare to play against.
Bradbury 7
One of his better games in the shirt – better concentration and vision today
Kuffour 6
Tireless movement but lacked cutting edge today
TACTICS
We were in total control first half but seem to withdraw too much second half. Its not a tactical thing as the bench was screaming at the team to get out – so I think it must be a confidence thing. When we tinker as well in the second half I think we would be better keeping shape and swapping like for like. We now have a superbly combative centre mid at last and genuine pace up front. Shame we didn’t have the whole season with this team.
Report by Neil Dawson
