Dec 6 AFC Bournemouth 1-0 Chester City Att: 4154

As has been the way of late, the less said about the first half the better! The only flowing move we had during the opening 45 minutes resulted in a mis-directed header from McQuoid. The fact that only a handful of corners were claimed and only Matty Tubbs was caught off side says a great deal. Neither keeper was tested.


The second half was much better ......... 11 minutes in saw the introduction of Darren Anderton for Joel Ward, which also saw a standing ovation for the ex-England international. Little did we know what was to come!

Credit to Molesley who battled throughout the game and was a true live wire going down the right wing throughout. He will be an asset to the side as he develops.

As Quinn made changed during the second half, greater pace was introduced to the side, which then created more chances for the Cherries, keeping Chester very much on the back foot as a string of corners were won as they were camped very much in the final third of the pitch. Sadly the Cherries seemed unable to unlock the door through a lack of quality, invention and guile.

During the final stages of the game, if there anyone was going to score, it was only going to be the home side as Chester City showed even less invention than the Cherries!

Anderton went close with a rasping free kick from distance which we thought had gone in, but sailed just wide. The free kick came as a result of Holland being elbowed in the face, which generated a straight red card to City's Dinning.

With just 2 minutes left on the clock, Anderton set up a move which saw the ball come back to him at the top of the penalty area which saw him unleash an upstoppable shot which sailed in! Cue celebreations from fans, players and the home bench in appreciation for the goal (88th minute).

At the final whistle, Anderton was given a standing ovation, from everyone in the ground, not only for his contribution to AFC Bournemouth, but for an outstanding career.

Jalal - still waiting for something to do.
Guyett - competent at the back.
Garry - slightly pedestrian filling in at left back.
Cooper - competent as he has been in recent weeks without being spectacular.
Pearce - comfortable against a poor Chester attack.
Hollands - work man like as we have come to know and love.
McQuoid - needs a good run in the side. Showed some good touches throughout. Needs to develop strength.
Tubbs - showed some good touches.
Molesley - a very good game in my opinion, giving Chester much to think about.
Bradbury - at least he wasn't booked this afternoon!
Anderton - scored a great goal to sign off his career.
Pitman - typical Pitman when he came on!
Symes - lively, but didn't show too much when he came on.

Mark Molesley

AFCB: Jalal, Guyett, Garry, Cooper, Pearce, Ward, Hollands, McQuoid, Tubbs, Molesley, Bradbury
Subs: Pryce, Cummings, Anderton (on for Ward, 56 mins), Pitman (for Tubbs, 71 mins), Symes (for Bradbury, 79 mins)

Andy Burton, Portsmouth