Double Allsopp strike hits Cherries hard

Notts County's Jeff Whitley and Bournemouth's Derek Holmes

Notts County continued their late season surge away from the dreaded relegation zone but made rather hard work of overcoming companions-in -distress Bournemouth.

Notts were full value for the three points but were not assured of them until a second goal three minutes from the end.

Bournemouth had plenty of possession yet failed so badly to make it count that in the whole 90 minutes they did not produce a single shot on target.

Notts began at a cracking pace and had two early chances, both falling to young Irish striker Paul Heffernan.

Notts County's Marcel Cas battles with Bournemouth's Stephen Purches

After six minutes he volleyed wide of Gareth Stewart's left-hand post and after 21 he headed wide of the goalkeeper's other post. Both chances were laid on by Marcel Cas.

The goal that broke the deadlock after 28 minutes was a curious one. There was a mix up between Stewart and his defenders and after taking the ball round the goalkeeper Danny Allsopp's shot rolled with agonising slowness into the empty net.

Notts might have had a second goal ten minutes before the break, Heffenan this time being the provider and Cas driving wide of the target.

Bournemouth finished badly with two first half scoring opportunities.

Warren Feeney snatched at his shot which sailed over the bar following a good right-wing move after 16 minutes and defender Shaun Maher also drove over when Notts failed to deal adequately with a visitors' free-kick.

The second half was far less lively and entertaining than the first before Meadow Lane's biggest crowd for nearly 15 months was rewarded with a splendid second goal.

Notts County's Danny Allsopp celebrates scoring the 2nd goal

Heffenan flicked the ball into the path of Allsopp who thumped a volley low into the corner of the net for his ninth goal in the last seven starts.

In this period Notts have taken seventeen points out of 21 but manager Bill Dearden stressed afterwards that Notts are still not safe and need possibly six more points to guarantee second division football next season.

Throughout the game there was yet another teriffic atmosphere at the Lane and
the fans certainly played their part in what was a "crucial tie".

Winners of only two of their last 24 league matches Bournemouth look increasingly doomed to going down but Notts if they claim two more wins should secure their Division two status for next season.