AFC Bournemouth- Last Time...

Last updated : 13 February 2004 By Rob Davies
Notts were playing Bournemouth with much new found confidence, after a morale boosting 3-0 win over Colchester the week before.

While the Magpies fans were coming off their best weekend for a while as, as well as the win over Colchester, they also got to watch Tommy Johnson et all back in Notts colours as over 8,000 people packed into Meadow Lane to watch the 'Legends match' against F*rest.

But all that was a world away for Notts' long suffering fans, who were brought down to Earth with a bang as- as with almost every home game up to that point- cost chances were to cost Notts as Bournemouth left with a 1-0 victory.

Wade Elliott- A major threat
Notts manager Billy Dearden started with the same side that beat Colchester- meaning previously neglected Paul Heffernan & Paul Riley were both retained in the line-up, while the home side were without injured hitman Clive Platt.

The home side had a great first half, but good saves from Bournemouth's 'keeper denied great attempts from Tony Barras & Paul Heffernan.

The game itself as good as ended for Notts as the team ran out for the second half. Paul Riley-who had previously contained dangerman Wade Elliott with ease-had been withdrawn with hamstring trouble, meaning Simon Baldry was switched to the left wing and Paul Bolland came on the right in another of Billy's gems.

Ten minutes into the second half and the swap proved to be telling. Elliott- a target for F*rest earlier in the season- ran the length of the field, beating Baldry 3 times, Barras and Baraclough before putting in a pinpoint cross which Steve Fletcher headed home at the back post.

After that, Notts came close just once. Paul Heffernan unleashed a 30-yard rocket which beat Neil Moss, but hit the 'keepers right-hand post.

The game itself was highly dull, but Bournemouth, in Wade Elliott, had the best opposition player to be seen at Meadow Lane this season. Let's hope Paul Boertien can deal with his threat effectively.

Notts' team that day: Mildenhall, Jenkins, Fenton, Barras, Richardson (Hackworth 85), Baldry, Caskey, Baraclough, Riley (Bolland 45), Stallard, Heffernan.

Not Used: Garden, Livesey, McFaul.