Oct 2 AFC Bournemouth 0-2 Brighton & Hove Albion Att: 4638

Last updated : 03 October 2007 By Andy Burton
To say that there was an air of disappointment around the home areas of the ground was an understatement to say the least. The Cherries seemed to be content, for the most part, with trying to deploy a long ball game, or a passing game that was, at times, woeful.

Players who have the quality and experience about them really should be head and shoulders above anything League One has to offer, instead, we have a collection of individuals who look like a team rather than act as a team.

During the entire first half, I cannot recall either keeper having too much to do, except for occassional catching practice.

As for the second period, only Neil Moss was really tested, and he failed to hold on to the ball just 19 seconds after the restart. Two Brighton attackers made their way forward, four Bournemouth defenders watched as somehow Cox scored between keeper and post. It wasn't one way traffic by any means, but it was Brighton who created the only clear cut chances, typified when Savage netted following a low cross from Forster in the 66th minute.

The Brighton keeper only had to make one save to make in the second period - that was from a Bradbury header which went straight to him. The rest was catching practice, assuming that the cross didn't go out of play before it reached the goal area.

As for the players:
Neil Moss - had little to do, except pick the ball out of the back of the net on two occassions.
Paul Telfer - better last night than on recent performances. Still something lacking though.
Josh Gowling - did well in defence.
Marc Wilson - did okay, bothing brilliant by any means.
Jason Pearce - a few wayward passes. Did okay.
Max Gradel - nippy down the right wing. Sadly didn't deliver any telling crosses.
Danny Hollands - made a few mistakes in midfield, but did battle back on more than one occassion and gave it his all.
Darren Anderton - not the player we saw last season - for whatever reason.
Garreth O'Connor - not the player we know and love from his first stay at Dean Court.
Joe Kuffour - tries his best, but often tries to do too much with little support.
Lee Bradbury - again tries his best, but again, little or no support.

Man Of The Match
My man of the match award goes to Danny Hollands for at least trying.

A secondary nomination MUST also go to the PA crew for playing That's Entertainment by The Jam at the end of the game! Taking the mick of what?!

AFCB: Moss, Telfer, Gowling, Wilson, Pearce, Gradel, Hollands, Anderton, O'Connor, Kuffour, Bradbury
Subs: Begovic, Pitman, Partington, Vokes (for O'Connor, 68), Cooper (for Hollands, 85)
Andy Burton, Portsmouth