Grimsby Town Reaction - Cherries II

Manager Eddie Howe has issued a challenge to striker Alan Connell to keep scoring to keep his place in the Cherries starting eleven, being quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying: "Keep scoring and you'll keep your place. Strikers thrive on goals and it was a fantastic finish. That's what Alan is all about - he is a scorer of great goals. He has worked extremely hard in training and has always given 100 per cent whenever he has come on. As he missed pre-season, there was always going to be a period for him to adjust and to regain his fitness. He is looking fit, strong and sharp and I don't hesitate to put him in. When he gets his chance, he has to take it, like he did against Grimsby. He is a little unfortunate because he's got Brett Pitman and Steve Fletcher as competition and they have both been outstanding. But competition can only benefit the team and, if Alan keeps scoring and playing well, he will keep his place".