Coming back twice, the Poppies overcame tough opposition in Moneyfields away from home in a smash and grab 3-2 victory.
Coming from behind twice, Bournemouth Poppies overcame tough opposition in Moneyfields in a smash and grab 3-2 victory away from home to secure back-to-back wins and keep the Bournemouth club's chances of survival alive.
The intent was there from the off as Poppies pressed with great energy. Phill Brown dictated his team from the touchline and nearly had them score the opener with Neemo Nixon coming close but he firied wide in the early stages
Despite the start, first blood was drawn by the home side – Bournemouth failed to clear their lines on multiple occasions as the ball bobbled in the goal mouth, it was turned in to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Poppies got themselves back into it shortly after through Kyle Graham. Graham's burst down the wing and cut inside to release a low curling effort met by Lewis Harvey at the back post, whose sliding attempt clipped the bar; the rebound found the bar again before Jonny Efedje followed up with an unchallenged header to make it 1-1 at half time.
The second half had the home side regain the lead within minutes, a simple finish was enough to by-pass Harry Gravett. However, when Nixon broke into Moneyfield’s box minutes later, the ref had no choice but to give a penalty to the travelling side – Graham converted with ease to the bottom right to grab his and Poppies econd of the match.
With the score level at 2-2, the game was there for the taking, the home team looked more convincing on the attack but some good saves from Gravett kept Poppies in the game.
However, a breakaway lead by Sami Garcia, gave the travelling side one last chance. The ball was slipped through to Jamie Wilson who fired home from the edge of the box with only one minute of extra time to play.
Phill Brown, Poppies Boss, Spoke to NERVE SPORT after the game: “We deserved everything we got, we were the better side.
“They started alright, we grew into the game really, really well, the boys showed so much character to come back from behind twice.”
The Poppies earned the points which pull them further form relegation rivals and close to safety. They play top of the table Hamworthy United next on Tuesday night.