If anything, it was the Cherries who played the more enterprising football. Reward for their play came in the 16th minute when Kuffour picked up a loose ball, fed it through to Henry whose quick feet and bullet of a shot found its' way in to the net at the far post. The strike was first rate by any standards.
After that, the Cherries more than matched their opponenets and had their fair share of possession without causing too many problems.
It was a huge shame when Hartlepool United levelled just before the break when Ian Moore managed to get in between out two centre backs to divert the ball past Stewart.
The second half followed a similar pattern as the first. Both sides playing good football without causing too many problems. When Hartlepool did press forward, they found that Alex Pearce and Gowling resolute at the back.
Gowling was very lucky not to concede a penalty when he clearly handled on the line - much to the annoyance to the home support.
At the other end, Bournemouth created few problems, but were unlucky not to score at the end when Alex Pearce saw an effort just clear the cross bar from a last gasp corner.
The result leaves the Cherries in the drop zone in 21st place with an FA Cup replay against Barrow on Tuesday and a League One game against Oldham Athletic next Saturday - both at Dean Court.
Full match report to follow ...........
AFCB: Stewart, Telfer, Gowling, A Pearce, Golbourne, Hollands, Cooper, Karacan, Pitman, Kuffour, Henry
Subs: Pryce, J Pearce, Bartley, Cummings, McQuoid (on for Kuffour, 78 mins)