Bournemouth netted twice in a comfortable 2-0 win over struggling Derby county to put the south coast side back into the automatic promotion spots.
Bournemouth netted twice in a comfortable 2-0 win over a struggling Derby ounty to put the south coast side back into the automatic promotion spots.
Dominic Solanke's 22nd goal of the season put the Cherries in front deep into added time of the first half before Jamal Lowe came off the bench to secure the points with a 90th minute strike.
It was a sluggish start to the game that had both teams struggling to create any chances.The earliest opportunity came 12 minutes in when Derby’s Malcom Ebiowei worked the ball inside from the right wing and delivered a low drive towards the near post which was comfortably save by Mark Travers.
As the game progressed Bournemouth began to play some stylish football with perfected movement on and off the ball. Jaidon Anthony came close with a saved shot after good play from loanee Todd Cantwell.
Bournemouth started to shift through the gears as the half reached the latter stages. Todd Cantwell reached the by-line on multiple occasions,and cut the ball back into the box and almost fire the hosts to the advantage.
However, with four minutes of added time on the clock Bournemouth’s pressure finally payed dividend.
Anthony displayed some neat skill and ability when he bypassed two Derby defenders on his way to goal, the winger's final effort was parried into the path of top scorer Solanke who pocked home from five yards to put the Cherries in front just before the half time whistle.
After the break, a Bournemouth corner found the head of an air born Solanke who glanced the ball on target, only to be denied by former Cherries keeper Ryan Allsop’s fingertips.
The Rams had another chance which could have seen the equaliser on the hour mark as Ravel Morrison found himself in behind the Cherries defence, his drive was saved excellently by the glove of the in-form Travers.
After Derby’s spell of possession, Bournemouth started to find their rhythm again. Anthony was the main outlet for the hosts, his work down the left wing throughout the game was to be admired by any football fan.
Another Cherries attack from the right resulted in Solanke setting up team mate Ryan Christie, although, his shot disappointed as it fizzed down the throat of keeper Allsop.
The game began to slow with both teams answering each other’s questions and shutting down attacks but one last chance was in it for the home side as Solanke released a great shot from 12 yards out which parried into the path of Lowe who netted the follow up with ease as the game entered the 90th minute.
As the whistle went – the Vitality erupted in cheers as Bournemouth re-entered the automatic promotion spots and claimed three vital points in thier hunt for a retur to the Premier League.