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.
Hull City (H: 21 Dec A: 19 Apr) Last time H: 2-0 A: 1-1
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
36 8 6 4 35 23 3 4 11 20 39 - 7 43 1995/96
Boothferry Park is not a happy hunting ground for Bournemouth, the last time we won there was way back in 1992 (1-0), so points on Humberside might be a bit much to ask for. A huge following has built up behind Hull, and regularly get 5-figure crowds at home. Although they finished in mid-table in April, I’d expect that they could be pushing for honours time round. As for Cherries v Tigers? Home wins in both fixtures.
Kidderminster Harriers (H: 13 Aug A: 4 Jan) Last time H: n/a A: n/a
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
- - - - - - - - - - - - - Never
Another one of the Leagues newer teams, this time they start their third season in the Nationwide League. They have impressed with their football so far, although not quite setting the world alight as yet. No previous form to provide a guide between the two teams, but would be disappointed if we didn’t get at least 3 points off them at some stage this season. The away match in January could be postponed if either progress in the FA Cup.
Leyton Orient (H: 18 Mar A: 19 Oct) Last time H: 2-0 A: 2-3
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
64 20 6 6 60 27 4 9 19 20 56 - 3 87 1994/95
The big question for me is whether AFC Bournemouth can finally lay the Leyton Orient bogey. The reason for posing the question is because we’ve not won in this corner of the East End since 1948/49 when Jimmy Blair and Doug McGibbon bagged the goals in a 2-1 win. Hands up anyone who was there!! We have also had the misfortune on loosing 0-5 several times!! Last time the two met was in the great escape when Warren Aspinall and Scott Mean scored our first two away goals of that season. As I recall, we were unlucky not to come away with a point as Glen Cockerill helped The O’s to a customary home win.
Lincoln City (H: 26 Apr A: 5 Oct) Last time H: 2-0 A: 1-2
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
20 5 4 1 15 5 2 2 6 8 22 - 4 27 1998/99
Sincil Bank - the scene of our heaviest ever defeat - 0-9 - and the occasion when Harry Redknapp was in charge of the first team as manager for the first time!! Thank goodness things got better after that!! Not too many meetings between the Clubs over the years as most encounters came during the early 1980’s. Lincoln are another side I’d see as being key to achieving success this year, so a 4-point haul over them would be useful. Even if the game at Sincil Bank ends up being very frustrating, I’d recommend the bacon butties at half time.
Macclesfield Town (H: 18 Jan A: 31 Aug) Last time H: 1-0 A: 2-2
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
2 1 - - 1 - - 1 - 2 2 --- 4 1998/99
Just a single meeting between the Macc Lads and the Cherries when they bubbled up to the Second Division for one season 4 years ago. They’ve not really done much since, and probably wont again this season. Providing we don’t loose to them (and manage to win at least once), I think that will be all we need to do.
Oxford United (H: 27 Aug A: 26 Dec) Last time H: 4-3 A: 2-1
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
22 6 2 3 17 11 3 1 7 14 19 + 1 30 2000/01
Two years ago Oxford United whimpered out of the Second Division with hardly a win to their name. Even in the Third Division, they didn’t threaten much. They may have a new stadium in Cowley, but it hasn’t done them a great deal of good so far. Over the years the two sides have normally beaten their visitors (BTW - if you’re planning a Boxing Day trip to Oxford, please keep in mind that there are no trains that day). Our last meeting in the old Dean Court generated a goal feast, with three of the seven goals being scored in the first few minutes of the game. At the time of writing Oxford are under threat of legal action from their local authority who are claiming that they are still owed monies.
Rochdale (H: 28 Dec A: 25 Jan) Last time H: 1-0 A: 1-0
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
24 9 2 1 24 10 3 6 2 13 12 +15 44 1981/82
Since our last game in the old Fourth Division, one Club has remained constant in all that time - Rochdale. It seems quite amazing that ‘Dale have not shifted out of the Leagues basement in the last 21 years. In fact the last time they played in the old Third Division, was way back in 1974, a season they only chalked up a pitiful 2 wins all season. More recently they’ve been getting closer to the right end of the table in recent seasons, and have improved from 19th in 1998/99 to a play-off place (5th) in April 2002. Can they go one better?? They’ll fancy their chances.
Rushden & Diamonds (H: 17 Sept A: 4 March) Last time H: n/a A: n/a
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
- - - - - - - - - - - - - Never
Another one of the beneficiaries to the promotion/relegation between the League and the Conference, Rushden and Diamonds distinguished themselves very well last season finishing 6th in their first season. They will certainly fancy their chances this year and are bound to be a stern test for Bournemouth on September 17th.
Check back during the week for the next installment to our unique preview to the 2002-03 season.