It was no surprise though that on the 11th minute mark we conceded a controversial penalty. I thought that Eddie Howe was fouled initially but there was then definitely contact inside the box on Steve Torpey and the ref had no qualms about giving the spot kick. Up stepped Peter Beagrie sending Gareth Stewart the wrong way.
Scunthorpe 1 Cherries 0
This was the impetus for Bournemouth to really step up their play with Foley and Cooke really imposing themselves in midfield, although Cooke's reticence to tackle at times had to be seen to be believed! However, his ball skills when going forward were sublime.
An equaliser should have come midway through the half with the ball breaking to Steve Fletcher about 12 yards out with the goal gaping, but he failed to react quickly enough and the ball was cleared.
However on 33 minutes the equaliser did come. The Cherries won a free kick about 30 yards out. The ball was superbly delivered by Steven Foley and James Hayter ghosted in unmarked to head past the despairing Musselwhite from close range.
Scunthorpe 1 Cherries 1
The 200 or so travelling Bournemouth fans exploded with relief and James and team mates celebrated in front of us with glee. Bournemouth were now well in charge of the game but failed to create anything significant in the remaining 12 minutes of the half.
HT: 1-1
The Iron started the 2nd half well with Beagrie firing in an effort that went just wide of the upright. Another Scunnie effort saw Stewart called into action and he tipped a swirling shot over the bar. Then, on the 57 minute mark James O'Connor was put in by a superb pass by James Hayter but his volley came back off the post with the Scunthorpe keeper well beaten.
However, James O'Connor's first goal for the club was not to be long in coming. On the 64 minute mark attacking down the left O'Connor let fly from about 25 yards out .The ball fairly flew into the top left hand corner of the net albeit off the bar but a cracking goal regardless.
Scunthorpe 1 Cherries 2
Credit to the Iron though they really stepped up the pressure after this goal. On 73 minutes Andy Crosby thought he had scored but there was our talisman James Hayter to clear off the line when all seemed lost. Next it was the turn of Andrew Keogh who forced Stewart into an amazing point blank save. A diving header from sub Billy Sharp was then parried away much to our relief with nerves in the away end getting very frayed by now.
Something had to give though and on the 84 minute mark Scunthorpe gained a deserved equaliser, Richard Hinds being given time and space to turn in the area. The low shot beat Stewart, for once our stopper being helpless.
Scunthorpe 2 Cherries 2
Bournemouth looked out on their feet by now and I could see only one winner. But luckily due to some hard work in midfield there were no more goalmouth scares before the final whistle went.
In retrospect a great game of football given the conditions. But definitely 2 points lost by the Cherries, as we should have killed the game off when given the chance.
Walsall on Tuesday night is not going to be for the faint hearted!
Man Of The Match for us Gareth Stewart, just ahead of another brilliant performance by James Hayter.
AFCB: Stewart, Howe, Cooper, Young, O'Connor, Purches, Foley, Cooke, Browning, Fletcher, Hayter
Subs: Tindall, Broadhurst, Hart (for Purches, 89), Rix (form Cooke, 78), Pitman