Back then, Mel Machin, master minded promotion form to turn the season around with some great performances and superb results to pull the iron out of the fire. That season AFC Bournemouth denied runners-up Brentford from gaining automatic promotion. Is Kevin Bond about to do the same with his current charges at Dean Court with the final game of the season coming at Carlisle United?
This weekend the key games are as follows:
AFC Bournemouth v Bristol Rovers
For the Cherries, this is a MUST win, if they are to remain in the hunt to remain in League One. Rovers need something to ensure safety themselves, but on current form HOME WIN.
Gillingham v Swansea City
A MUST win for the Gills as they bid to get their heads back above the dotted line which would see them relegated. The incentive for Swansea City is to (a) bounce back after their home defeat against the Cherries last weekend, and to clinch automatic promotion at the same time. Prediction: AWAY WIN
Hartlepool United v Millwall
Hartlepool United are safe in League One. Millwall are just hovering above the drop zone and need to win, or at least again a point to edge that bit closer to survival. Prediction: DRAW
Yeovil Town v Crewe Alexandra
Yeovil Town have disappointed having made the play-offs last season, struggling to recreate the form which almost saw them promotion to the Championship. This season, they have slipped in recent weeks, with inconsistency being the only consistent thing about recent results. As for Crewe Alexandra, the need for points is as urgent as ever, but recent form would suggest that a HOME WIN is most likely.