The Poppies came from behind to overcome Cowes Sports 6-1 in this seven goal thriller; seeing them take three points in the league for the first time since September.
The Poppies came from behind to overcome Cowes Sports 6-1 in this seven goal thriller; seeing them take three points in the league for the first time since September.
After a slow start, Bournemouth teased a lead mid-way through the first half; the likes of Conor Jevon found himself in a familiar position in front of goal, only for his effort to fire wide.
However, the lead for Cowes Sports came just past the 30 minute mark.
A ball was delivered to the back post and headed home to the right side of goal – trailing once again, it felt like Déjà vu for Bournemouth.
A chance to level things came the Poppies way when a penalty was awarded minutes before the half’s end; despite being saved, the parried shot was turned in by penalty taker Marcus Cullen.
The scores were level heading into the break.
It didn’t take long for Bournemouth to take the lead in the second period, only a minute into the half a composed finish inside the area by Kyle Graham provided the advantage – something ignited a spark in the team.
The third for the Poppies came in the form of a corner. Having fallen to the edge of the box, Jamie Wilson hit the ball into the ground and guided it high over the heads of the opposition and beat the keeper.
The floodgates had opened, and Bournemouth were playing expansive, dynamic football which was much enjoyed by the couple hundred watching.
Kyle Graham collected his brace minutes after the third.
Sami Garcia intricately weaved through players before off-loading to unmarked Graham at the back post whom added to the Poppies and his tally.
There seemed no way to halt the advancements of Bournemouth, Cowes were desperately trying to get something out of the game, leaving an open space in behind to be explored.
Conor Jevon crashed an impressive volley onto the bar yet ironically as the striker was denied any goal this game.
Bournemouth claimed their fifth with a blinding strike from previous scorer Marcus Cullen.
Urged by the touchline, he let fly from 35 yards out and found the top corner sublimely – a moment which added class and affirmation of a fantastic win to the Saturday afternoon for the Poppies.
Conor Jevon was replaced by Neemo Nixon late on in proceedings, he wanted to get in on the action too.
Nixon fired home six minutes before time to make it 6-1 and an unforgettable affair for the men in red and black; although a trip to forget for Cowes Sports.
Manager Phill Brown was left speechless after being asked to sum up his emotions, he could only reply with “I don’t know!”
Taking to Nerve Sport, Brown expressed: “The emotions now, we haven’t felt for a while. The lads were fantastic second half, they listened to instructions and took everything we said on board.”
He continued: “It’s going to be great emotions in there and a very nice drink tonight I think”.
The win sets up Tuesday night’s derby day with Christchurch to be one to watch – especially as a neutral.