Although it wasn’t the Cherries’ first team, it was still a talented Bournemouth team who took to the field at the AEI last night. A team who have had considerable local cup success and they certainly provided a great test for Gosport.

The first big effort of the game fell to the visitors on the 16th minute. Bournemouth’s number 11 one-on-one against Max Evans, with the BORO’ keeper coming out, making himself big and saving the effort.

Before the break, BORO’ had a golden chance to take the lead. A corner curled perfectly into the centre of the Bournemouth box. Charlie Wassmer rose the highest to reach the ball, glancing a header just wide.

Going into the last ten minutes before the interval, meaningful efforts fizzled out although Gosport maintained their heavy pressure. However nothing was made of this, with the first half concluding:

Gosport 0-0 AFC Bournemouth XI

Alike the first half it was the corners causing the damage. This time Tarbuck’s corner found a Bournemouth body. Stuck in an awkward position the defender couldn’t move out the way of the cross, snd a pivotal touch from the Bournemouth man, guiding the ball into his own net, giving Gosport the lead.

Twenty minutes on from this Gosport cushioned their lead with a worldie!! Brad Tarbuck once again from a set-piece 30 yards out, picked out Asher Yearwood. Somehow the attacker got a head on the ball with a magnificent touch to guide it past the keeper to get his second goal for the club and the second goal of the night.

This half had a similar story to the first. Despite the second half having goals there weren’t too many opportunities.
Bournemouth seemed to struggle against the physicality of BORO’, and the hosts’ comfortably saw out the game.

Full-Time: Gosport 2-0 AFC Bournemouth XI

This was our final home game of pre-season and we will return to the AEI Stadium when we play Frome Town in our league opener on the 10th August.
Up next we play Clanfield away on Tuesday night (30th) kick off 7.45pm, so we’ll see you then, but final words from me: UP THE BORO!!!

Attendance 386 …….Thank you

Picture by Jack Aldridge