The match started relatively slowly with a swirling wind, and very damp conditions – hardly April weather! I guess the gardeners will be welcoming the rain, even though walking across the car park meant a bit of a drenching.
It was noticeable that the Cherries passing play was far more cohesive than we've witnessed for most of the season so far, which is nice to see (at last).
An early shot for the Hines in the 5th minute came to nothing in the end, despite the keeper spilling the effort, but quickly gathered at the second attempt.
As with last seasons matches against the Terriers, our visitors came back at us, forcing early corners and free kicks in dangerous positions. Thankfully the Cherries rear-guard was equal to any threat being posed – which to be honest not as much of a threat as we've seen from a Huddersfield sides previously.
The middle stages of the first half saw the match liven up enormously as both sides pressed for the opening goal. Efforts from the Cherries were limited to scuffed efforts and soft headers to their keeper, while the Terriers tested Flahavan on how well he could punch the ball. The one time when Flahavan was caught flapping, Addison came to his rescue when the ball was scrambled off the line when it seemed easier to score. Thankfully the ball went out for a throw in in front of the Family Stand.
HT: 0-0
The second half seemed to be going in much the same vein as the first in terms of chances being created and how much either side was testing the opposing keeper. By and large neither keeper was being tested! The Terriers threat had largely evaporated, while any Cherries threat was nullified with an amazing inability to find the target.
Sorry to say, but the prime culprit for missing the guilt edged chances was, by a country mile, Wes Thomas. He missed three open goals, all from close range, when it seemed easier to put the ball in the back of the net. It just seemed to be one of those days when nothing was going to go in for us! To rub the salt in our own wounds, Wes Fogden got in on the act missing another guilt edged chance to put the Cherries ahead.
The defensive side of our play needs to be mentioned. The back 4 is looking far more solid than it did a few weeks ago. Simon Francis is becoming a rock at right back, as are Miles Addison and Steve Cook in the centre. Scott Malone is looking good at left back while Charlie Daniels shrugs off his injury. Still work to do at the back though. It is also noticable that defensive duties are starting a lot sooner than the ball reaching the back-4 – pretty much as soon as possession is lost. Mention to Fogden for the amount of ground, block challenges and the amazing number of headers he wins – remarkable for someone who is one of the shortest on the pitch.
The opening goal, when it came, was no more than the Cherries deserved. In character with the oprning 70 minutes, the first goal (for Malone) was characteristically scrappy, probaly coming off Malone's shine from about 2 inches out. That after Thomas (and others) fluffed their lines to poke the ball home.
The second goal, in the 82nd minute, was a more polished chance that was neatly taken when a lovely interchange between Francis and Fogden saw Pugh released down the channel who neatly swept the ball past the keeper who was made to look like a right chump!
All in all a very satisfactory performance from the Cherries – much improved – lone may it continue.
Flavahan – Did okay, but caught flapping a couple of times.
Francis – Is developing in to a fine right back for AFC Bournemouth. Solid in the challenge, and neat footwork to get out of a tricky situation. My Man Of The Match.
Addison – Not much gets past this mountain of a defender.
Cook – The new Jason Pearce in my opinion.
Malone – Is developing nicely. Not quite the finished article, still room for improvement.
Gregory – A few times, passes go a stray, but is looking more comfortable on the ball.
Cooper – Acomplished as ever.
Fogden – Litte Wes has got to be a candidate for Player Of The Season given his industry on and off the ball, especially when considered the step up from Conference South to League One.
Pugh – Back towards his best today, some lovely footwork and a neatly taken goal.
Hines – Runs his socks off, just needs to bag a goal or two to show his worth.
Thomas – Runs his socks off. I've no doubt that the goals will come, despite the glaring misses this afternoon.
Partington – Fantastic to have Joe back on the pitch again. Fingers crossed he can keep injury free this time.
MacDonald – Was a surprising start from the bench, but did well when coming on during the second period.
Taylor – As lively as ever when coming on.
Groves/Brooks – Seem to have greater tactical awareness and savvy about them – with no disrespect to the previous management duo.
As a footnote ....... our first home win over Huddersfield Town since April 1991!
AFCB: Flahavan, Francis, Cook, Addision, Malone, Gregory, Cooper, Pugh, Fogden, Hines, Thomas
Subs: Jalal, Zubar, MacDonald (for Gregory, 57 mins), Partington (for Cooper, 83 mins), Taylor (for Hines, 87 mins)
Andy Burton, Portsmouth