Wisely I passed mine on to someone who might have more chance of living up to the lofty aspirations. Whether she succeeded is between her and her conscience.
Good news on the team front with the return of Molesley, in need of an operation on his foot but playing on regardless. The game got off to a lively start when Symes, briefly and unsuccessfully on loan with us last season, put in a reckless late tackle on Cummings and Accrington manager John Coleman was sent to the stand for disputing the subsequent yellow card, which was the least the player could have expected. Both sides had their chances in the first half without threatening the goal too seriously. Pitman continued his shoot on site policy with mixed results and Jalal saved well from the unmarked Lees' header.
Accrington generally had the better of the first half, moving the ball around impressively at times while we were struggling to maintain possession. The second half was a different story as Bournemouth emerged determined to take the game to their opponents and enjoying long spells of possession. Accrington were still dangerous on the break and Jalal had to be quick from his line to dive at the feet of the advancing Symes with his defenders for once missing in action. Accrington also had what looked from the far end to be a reasonable shout for a penalty turned down, further diminishing Mr. Oliver's dwindling fan club.
Connell, looking more like his old self with every game as his strength and fitness builds, replaced Fletcher with 23 minutes remaining and Accrington struggled to cope with his greater mobility. Although we were now dominating possession and territory we hadn't produced much to trouble keeper Dunbavin until Pitman won a free kick on our right which was curled in by Cummings for Hollands to score with a glancing header. Pitman had a great chance to make the game safe when Feeney broke away down the right and picked him out with a perfect cross, but his attempt to place his header went horribly wide, par for the course on a day when his normal knack for hitting the target seemed to have deserted him.
With the game moving into stoppage time Accrington were awarded a free kick just outside the box which was well struck by Ryan and took a deflection, but Jalal made an excellent stop diving low to his left. Goulding replaced Feeney and looked as out of form as it's possible to be in two minutes, almost setting up a chance for Accrington with his first touch, an attempt at defensive header that went alarmingly across our goalmouth.
These were the last scares before we picked up the three points, just about deserved and extremely welcome after our brief winless spell. With the visit of struggling Grimsby next up, first place is still ours to lose.
Shwan Jalal, two crucial saves in the second half and excellent on crosses throughout.
Subs: Thomas, Edgar, McQuoid, Connell (for Fletcher, 67 mins), Bartley (for Molesley, 87 mins), Goulding (for Feeney, 93 mins)