Oct 13 AFC Bournemouth 2-1 Hartlepool United Att: 5998

Last updated : 15 October 2002 By Andy Burton
But at least it didn't deter our largest crowd of the season for this top-of the table clash.

Despite the fact that we were playing against the wind in the first half, Bournemouth created the first real chance on 4 minutes. Brian Stock fed the ball nicely through to Alan Connell, but with the angle against him, could only steer the ball in to the side netting.

With the conditions being highly variable - swinging from wild to wet and wild - it was to Bournemouth's credit that their footballing approach enabled further chances to be created. Unfortunately Connell and Browning couldn't take advantage of them before disaster struck. For some inexplicable reason Browning decided to trya nd head back to Moss. The header was off target and weak, and directed straight towards to Hartlepool's Williams, who calmly sliced the ball past Moss. It was their first chance, and we had gifted them the lead on 17 minutes. It reminded me of the school boy errors which cost our place in Division 2 last season.

With our very next attack, Carl Fletcher floated in a free kick, which was nodded on by Browning towards Hayter. He then ran forward only to be upended by the Hartlepool area inside the 6-yard area. A penalty was awarded, and the guilty party sent off. Unfortunately Elliott's spot kick was poor, plus it was saved by the keeper. On 22 minutes Hayter missed a gilt edged chance, but he somehow managed to lift the ball over the goal and out in to the car park - quite an achievement given the conditions.

The remainder of the half was frustratingly uneventful as Hartlepool's 10-men worked their socks off. In fact you would never have said that they were a man short, such was their work rate up to the break.

The second half was a much better for Bournemouth. With the wind behind us, kicking towards our favoured North Stand, the extra man started to tell against a Hartlepool side who found it difficult to escape their own half for long periods, and had to rely on their keeper to keep the score respectable.

On 58 minutes, a Young cross was met superbly by Connell, whose header was palmed away by Williams in the 'pool goal. Two minutes later the visitors keeper was called upon when a low shot on the turn from Hayter was pushed away for a corner. But Bournemouth were not to be denied at fortress Dean Court.

The resulting corner, taken by Stock eventually reached Elliott at the far post who converted on the hour mark, to make amends for his earlier penalty miss. Three minutes later, Elliott was through again. This time a low cross found Connell who chested the ball with some force, only to be denied by the Williams again. To be honest the keeper didn't know much about it, and I doubt whether Connell had much of an opportunity to direct the ball, but it was a clear chance. Brian Stock, on 64 minutes, created a good chance for himself, but squewed the ball wide of goal.

Then on 72 minutes the moment home fans had been waiting for - the arrival of Big Steve Fletcher, almost a year since his last appearance in a Bournemouth shirt. The scene and script seemingly set for the final 18 minutes or so.

That moment arrived on 84 minutes. Thomas crossed the ball, a defender slipped in trying to clear, Steve Fletcher and ex Scummer, Widdrington, closing in, only to see the defender attempt to clear, who was unluckly enough to have the ball bounce off the advancing pair, and in to the back of the net. With the players celebrating, we thought that Steve had marked his comeback with a goal, but looking at the video at home, it was clearly an OG - sorry Steve!!

In injury time Bournemouth had the chance to make the points toally safe, but were thwarted by the keeper after Gareth O'Connor danced his way through the Hartlepool defence.

But for the weather it was a good game of football, and a shame that the conditions played such a big part in proceedings.

If this were a Hartlepool match report, I'd have to selected the keeper Williams for keeping Bournemouth at bay. But as it isn't, my nomination goes to Brian Stock whose neat football and touches made the difference. If we carry on playing like this, the long trip to Carlisle on the final day of the season should be a formality!!

AFCB: Moss, Purches, C Fletcher, Broadhurst, Young, Elliott, Stock, Browning, Thomas, Connell, Hayter
Subs: Tardif, S Fletcher (on for Hayter, 72), O'Connor (for Browning, 83), Eribenne, Ridgewell (for Connell, 90)
Andy Burton, Portsmouth