On August 10th, 2002 AFC Bournemouth kick-off the new season in the Third Division, a division the Club have not been in since the end of the 1981-82 season when we signed off from the old Fourth Division with a 1-1 draw at home to Hereford United. With one Championship Trophy (1987) and two relegation's later (1990 and 2002) we are now back in a League we last spent 7 years trying to escape following the John Bond era. The first time we were relegated to the Fourth Division, we spent one year down (1970-71) before relegation in 1974-75.
Writing these notes before a ball has been kicked, it is difficult to judge whether AFC Bournemouth can bounce back at the first attempt, even though we are one of the favourites to win the Third Division this year, so here is a statistical look at our opponents we face in the coming League campaign, many of which we’ve not faced for many, many years, as well as many we’re facing for the very first time.
Boston United (H: 1 Feb A: 10 Aug) Last time H: n/a A: n/a
- - - - - - - - - - - - - Never
The newest team to the Football League face the favourites for the Third Division title on the opening day of the new season. Needless to say that they will be out to prove that their promotion to the League was not a fluke, and will be full of confidence to show the footballing world that they are worthy of their new found status. I have little doubt that they will win their opening fixture, but whether they will be able to mount a serious promotion campaign remains to be seen, especially as they now have a 4 point handicapp before they even start!!
Bristol Rovers (H: 2 Nov A: 15 Feb) Last time H: 1-2 A: 1-1
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
94 26 10 11 79 41 14 6 27 62 95 + 5 136 2000/01
The two sides should need no introduction at any level of the game as the Pirate and Cherries cross swords again this year. Unlucky to miss out on promotion at the end of the 1999/00 season, they were relegated 12 months later and found themselves second from bottom of the basement league last time round (a position which will see them relegated to the Conference if that is repeated this season). Historically both sides have notched up home wins in their respective fixtures, but in recent times The Pirates have scored victories at Dean Court. If Bournemouth are serious on promotion this season, a return to winning ways at home is a must - should be good crowd at Dean Court on November 2nd.
Bury (H: 14 Sept A: 1 March) Last time H: 3-2 A: 1-2
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
32 11 4 1 28 15 5 3 8 21 30 + 4 55 2001/02
The Shakers find themselves back in the Third Division just 3 years after they dropped out of the First Division, and just 6 years since they won promotion from the Third Division in 1996. Results for between the 2 clubs have normally gone in favour of the home side, but that statistic was thrown out of the win down when Jamie Hayter scored 4 in a incredible 5-2 victory a couple of seasons ago. Bury’s finances are just as bad, if not worse than ours, so will be feeling the pinch, post ITV Digital just as much as everyone else. They’ll be keen to go straight back up at the first attempt, but finances may dictate a struggle.
Cambridge United (H: 17 Aug A: 11 Jan) Last time H: 2-2 A: 2-2
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
22 5 3 3 14 9 4 2 5 15 15 + 5 32 2001/02
Relegated with us last season, Cambridge are back in the League’s basement for the first time in three years. It seems like ages ago when they were challenging for the place in the Premiership under John Beck, and will be another keen to escape at the first attempt. Fortunately the Abbey Stadium has provided quite a few points for us over the years. Fingers-crossed we can do the same this year and to extend our unbeaten run at the Abbey Stadium which stretches back to 1993/94.
Carlisle United (H: 28 Sept A: 3 May) Last time H: 3-2 A: 1-0
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
10 4 - 1 12 8 3 1 1 8 7 + 5 22 1997/98
Brunton Park is a happy hunting ground for the Cherries, with only one defeat (0-4 in 1996) in the handful of visits we’ve made so far, so a League double is a must against the Cumbrians. This may be our longest trip of the season, and on the final day of the campaign, so is a strong candidate for a repeat of the successful Exiles End-Of-Season trip this year. The Northerners have been annual strugglers at the foot of the Third Division for 3 out of the last 4 seasons, achieving 17th last time round, so whether they can mount a serious challenge for honours at the top of the table may be a tall order.
Darlington (H: 8 March A: 21 Sept) Last time H: 1-2 A: 0-0
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
24 6 3 3 19 13 5 3 4 9 10 + 5 39 1991/92
The Quakers will be showing off a brand new stadium this season, which is rumoured to include marble in the loos!! Whether this is true or not is another matter, but it seems clear that Darlo are not short of a few quid, and may be the best placed side to survive the mess left by ITV. Whether this’ll be translated in to a promotion winning season is something we’ll have to wait to see. Last time round, Darlo had the better of Bournemouth. Hopefully the tables can be turned this year where by we get the upper hand. Many Exiles know of a good hotel just next to Darlo station, but beware of fire alarms early on a Sunday morning, but with the consolation of excellent bacon butties in the car park!!
Exeter City (H: 22 Feb A: 7 Aug) Last time H: 1-1 A: 2-0
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
78 26 9 4 76 39 13 8 18 50 71 +16 134 1993/94
The trip to Exeter City’s St James’s Park used to be a regular occurrence, but this year will be the first meeting between the two Clubs for quite some time. Both games are winnable for Bournemouth, especially if promotion for the Cherries is to occur come May 2003. Like so many Clubs in the lower Leagues, Exeter City have been threatened with extinction, so may struggle this year. A revamped ground awaits us, although the away end is probably just as dingy as it was the last time we visited. One consolation is that Exeter has plenty of entries in the GBG.
Hartlepool United (H: 12 Oct A: 29 March) Last time H: 0-0 A: 1-1
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
24 9 1 2 24 7 3 5 4 9 11 +15 42 1993/94
If Steve Fletcher is fit in time, this’ll be the his first game against his home town Club since he was signed by Tony Pulis all those years ago. Injury bugged Steve throughout 2001/02, and has been given the go ahead in recent weeks to return to training. A return to first team action in September will be welcome boost for Bournemouth. An away day trip to the North East in March is hardly a trip to relish, as it is bound to be freezing on the coast up there, but is a trip we’ve done well in previously. A home win and an away draw are likely.
Check back during the week for the next installment to our unique preview to the 2002-03 season.