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In a competitive game on a better
than expected playing surface, The Stones tested the
strength of Wessex League opposition at Bournemouth
Poppies today. With half an eye on upcoming FA Cup and
FA Vase games against Winchester City and Cowes Sports
respectively (both Wessex League clubs) this game provided
a yardstick for comparison for management duo Lloyd
Hume and Alan Walker.
The best of the opening exchanges fell to the home
side, especially in the 7th minute when firstly Scott
Joyce and then Karim Benssouad both forced fine saves
from Pat Mullin within seconds of each other.
Both teams were playing neat passing football and on
17 minutes Nick Hegley supplied a dangerous cross that
almost saw Garry Kimble touch the ball home at the far
post. Seven minutes later, a great run from Mario Celaire
played in Mo Takaloo. He skilfully rounded the keeper
but saw his effort blocked. Takaloo then turned provider,
supplying a pass to Jimmy Strouts but the captain fired
high over the bar.
The home side threatened 10 minutes before half time.
Sam Tydeman was dispossessed in midfield and Benssouad's
25 yard drive brought a full length save from Mullin.
However, The Stones scored just 3 minutes before the
break. Takaloo threaded a ball through to Hegley and
he calmly slotted home from just inside the box.
The second half was a tighter affair with far fewer
chances for both sides. The Poppies centre back Lamin
Dibba being particularly dominant at the heart of the
home side's defence. Bournemouth's other standout performer,
Benssouad almost levelled the scores on 48 minutes with
a 20 yard snapshot that went just wide of Mullin's post.
As the game drew towards it's conclusion a cross from
Simon Austin was headed narrowly over by Adam Hewitson.
With a win looking likely for the visitors, Bournemouth
were awarded an 89th minute penalty following a push
by Jason Barton on Rich McCabe. Benssouad stepped up
and confidently dispatched the ball into the top corner
sending Mullin the wrong way.
After the game, Alan Walker agreed that the game had
been a worthwhile exercise both on and off the pitch.
"What I liked is that both teams today tried to
play football and I know that against Winchester that
is what we'll come up against."
As for the whole weekend Walker stated "We came
down yesterday (Friday) and had a great training session
at AFC Bournemouth's training ground. We had a few beers
last night but everyone observed the curfew. There's
also a pool in the hotel so we had a game of water polo
and it's been great for team bonding. There's been a
lot of laughter and these things are invaluable when
you are talking about team bonding."
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