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.
Scunthorpe United (H: 30 Nov A: 4 April) Last time H: 1-1 A: 1-3
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
30 4 9 2 18 16 3 6 6 12 19 - 5 36 1999/00
Scunthorpe United benefited from a Third Division play-off win in May 1999, only to be relegated after one season come May 2000. Unusually they have been able to take points off Bournemouth at Dean Court on several occasions, they may have won twice, but 9 draws over 15 visits is quite a good tally to have. One side we have got to beat to succeed this season.
Shrewsbury Town (H: 22 April A: 14 Dec) Last time H: 0-0 A: 1-1
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
56 18 7 3 51 22 5 8 15 27 44 +12 84 1996/97
For most us, when you mention the Shrews, most will probably think of the decisive final-day of the season 3-0 win we secured at the end of a roller coaster Great Escape season. Historically the hosts have won their respective matches, so if we could head south with at least a point just before Christmas would be a nice pre-Christmas bonus.
Southend United (H: 12 April A: 23 Nov) Last time H: 2-1 A: 3-5
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
94 27 9 11 81 49 7 19 21 49 84 - 3 130 1997/98
Up until recently Southend were a good First Division Club, but slumped to the Third in quick relegation's. Our last encounter, 5 years ago, came just before our one and only trip to Wembley in the AWS. Here Southend won an incredible 8-goal encounter when all 8 goals were scored in a frantic second half period.
Swansea City (H: 1 Jan A: 24 Aug) Last time H: 2-0 A: 3-0
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
40 12 3 5 29 15 4 5 11 16 29 + 1 56 2000/01
We may have done the double over The Swans a couple of years ago, but a victory at The Vetch is not too frequent. Struggled for most of last season, it’s hard to see whether they’ll impress this season. But in their defence, they’ve not stayed in any one division for too long - normally swapping with their near rivals Cardiff City. Victory in Wales would be nice, but not to be expected.
Torquay United (H: 22 Mar A: 29 Oct) Last time H: 0-2 A: 0-1
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
78 16 12 11 74 47 9 13 17 40 61 + 6 100 1991/92
I really do not know what it is about Torquay as to why Bournemouth always find them to be a banana skin. Last season we met them in the League Cup in Dorchester, to loose, and prior to that they always seem to put the skids under us. Who remembers a rain soaked Plainmoor a few years ago when Vince Bartram left a looping ball only to see it sneak under the cross bar?? One to beat (clearly) if we are to do anything this season. History has normally gone with the home side, but with 11 wins at Dean Court, to out 9 at Plainmoor, nothing should be taken for granted, regardless of League form when the two meet in October and March.
Wrexham (H: 8 Feb A: 9 Nov) Last time H: 3-0 A: 1-2
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
36 7 4 7 22 18 5 3 10 18 30 - 8 43 2001/02
One thing is certain this year - no final day drama between these two Clubs. Last season we lost our Division 2 status at The Racecourse, and couple of years before that they denied us a place in the play-offs for the first time. Like Bournemouth, it’s been many years since they’ve been in the basement division, so will be keen to escape at the first attempt. Bound to be a thorn in our side no matter what happens!!
York City (H: 26 Oct A: 15 March) Last time H: 2-1 A: 1-0
Pl W D L F A W D L F A G.D Pts Last Met
40 10 6 4 30 22 6 4 10 18 30 + 5 58 1998/99
When Bournemouth go to Bootham Crescent in March, I guarantee that some Exiles will be spending the weekend in this fantastic City. Recent visits to York have proved profitable to Bournemouth, winning in the last three occasions. They didn’t do a great deal to challenge for honours, and I doubt whether they will this season. No matter what happens from 3pm on March 15th, it’ll be a great weekend nonetheless!!
Whether this season sees us promoted, relegated or staying put, I can guarantee that the new season will be covered in full by exiledcherries.com, so please check back during the season for all the news and match reports involving AFC Bournemouth.
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