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AFC Bournemouth 4-0 Pilgrims

FA Cup

Boston United crashed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle against a side that hadn't won in eleven games. The Pilgrims had a few selection problems to deal with as recent signings Ian Miller and Daniel Cotton were cup-tied and Jason Kennedy wasn't given permission to play by Middlesbrough. However, Drewe Broughton, Mark Greaves and Mark Albrighton all returned from suspension. With Ben Kirby having departed the club, youth team goalkeeper James Doughty made his first team squad debut on the bench. Boston went behind after just five minutes when Steve FLETCHER out jumped Paul Ellender to head Steve Foley's cross from the left past Andy Marriott. Francis Green won a Boston corner on nineteen minutes and Drewe Broughton headed the resulting kick just too high. It was a rare Boston attack and two minutes before half time Bournemouth doubled their lead when FLETCHER got his second headed goal, this time meeting a cross from the right by Stephen Purches.

Anthony Elding came on for Francis Green at half time in a tactical change. But it was Bournemouth who got the first goal of the second half just before the hour mark. A powerful Mark Greaves shot was well blocked before action switched to the other end and a great through ball by Danny Hollands picked out James HAYTER who stroked the ball home. Bournemouth now sat back on their lead and played out the remaining minutes without having to deal with any significant Boston chances. They saved the best until last though when in added time Danny HOLLANDS spotted Marriott off his line and lobbed the ball into the net from forty yards out. After the match convicted fraudster Steve Evans said: "I've not considered resigning, but I'll certainly no be hanging around if the results don't turn."

United team: Andy Marriott, Jamie Clarke, Mark Albrighton, Tim Ryan, Paul Ellender, Chris Holland (Richie Ryan 67), Mark Greaves, David Galbraith, Dany N'Guessan (David Farrell 72), Drewe Broughton, Francis Green (Anthony Elding 46). Subs not used: Jamie Stevens, James Doughty.


Match report copyright © Ken Fox 2006.