For years it has appeared that the manager's knowledge of non-league has been shallow, but Quinn has recent experience of working, successfully, at conference level and this could prove his biggest plus point. Either by picking up bargains to add to the playing staff or by being able to guide us back up should we fall.
Much had been said in the press for the two weeks prior, about Sean Cooper, mainly by Quinn in which he hinted of his ability to play as a spare man at the back, sweeper if you wish. For the first time we saw these words put into action with Cooper playing in a withdrawn position behind Guyett and Pearce. Bradbury and Cummings, playing as wingbacks/midfielders with this allowing them to go forward more (good at) and less of the defensive side (poor at).
Sammy Igoe was a revelation at the top of the midfield diamond. He showed all the deft touches that you could imagine and made a mockery of the previous manager's insistence for him to play on the flanks. Surely his return to form highlights the incompetence of the previous regime.
A bright opening to the match with our change in system appearing to flummox both the staff and players of Bradford. At no stage during the match did it appear that they could handle our extra man in midfield. Anderton was given far too much respect and they were maid to pay. He may not be able to get around as well these days but he can still pass. The ability to lay off without having to take a touch buys you a few seconds each time and this allows the opposition to b caught off guard.
It was an excellent lay off which allowed Igoe to get free in the inside right channel. He stood up an excellent cross at the far post where Danny Hollands had the simplest of tasks to nod it past the floundering keeper. 1 - 0 and no more than deserved.
Bradford were stung in to a response and embarked on their most vociferous period of the match. Within ten minutes they were level. A waist high cross-field ball was mis-controlled by Anderton and Colbeck, the Bradford winger was given the opportunity to run at Cherries defence. Despite Anderton's attempts to bring him down he smashed a shot against the inside of the keepers left hand upright and into the net. 1 -1 and it was game on.
The second half saw Bournemouth take control. Goulding was playing like a mobile Steve Fletcher, he still has to learn to time his runs, as he was prone to being caught offside, but he links play well and is a physical presence and holds the ball up well. Marvyn Bartley was freed on the right on midfield. He drove down the right hand side, level with the penalty area and delivered a pacy cross into the near post where Goulding, who had slipped his marker, swept the ball home with aplomb, 2 - 1.
The lead was quickly extended when a corner was delivered to the corner of the 6 yard box where Jason Pearce stooped to head home and the game was as good as over. Bradford did hit the cross-bar from a shot come cross late on, yet despite their huffing and puffing they were not able to blow the house down.
The new system worked because Bradford had not done their homework and were unable to adapt. The greater tests will lie ahead when we play teams who will know what to expect and will plan to break it down. That is when Quinn and Tindall will earn their money, or not. There is hope, but it will be a long slog that will probably go right to the wire.
AFCB: Jalal, Guyett, Cooper, Cummings, Pearce, Bartley, Anderton, Igoe, Hollands, Bradbury, Goulding
Subs: Pryce, Ward, Pitman (for Goulding, 71 mins), McQuoid (for Igoe, 87 mins), Wagstaff (for Bartley, 90 mins)
Phil Henstridge, Bicester