Las Summer Steve Lovell completed the long awaited return to Dean Court, but injury has kept him out since. Now the striker is nearing a return to fitness as the climax to the regular seasons draws closer.
With a behind-close-doors match against Reading arranged, the Cherries striker is quoted in the Bournemouth Evening Echo as saying: "It was always the aim to get as many reserve minutes as I could. We have had to arrange this game and I am looking forward to it. Fingers crossed, everything goes well. I’m dying to get out there and play again. Bradders knows I am committed and willing to play my part when needed. It felt so good to finally be out there warming up with the boys and, in the end, I was disappointed not to get on. But I thought the boys did well and the ones that did come on almost changed the game. I felt good but I have come back quickly and have not really had much game time, so it might turn out to not be such a bad thing".
Assistant boss, Steve Fletcher is quoted as saying: "He is the type of player who will be a dream to have back in the team because he is such a quality player. He has played at a high standard for most of his career and he will be a great asset to the squad. Whether he is starting or coming off the bench, with his pace and the way he wants to get in behind and play on the shoulders of defenders, he will be a massive asset. For people like myself and Michael Symes, people who win balls in the air and flick things on, he will be great to play with because that is what he looks for – the little bits around the big striker".
AFC Bournemouth 2-0, with Lovell scoring one of the goals. The other was scored by Lyle Taylor in the 27th minute.