Report by James Lewer
AFC Bournemouth had enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season, with back-to-back wins in league and cup against Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth respectively. However, the Cherries were given a huge wake-up call after receiving a hammering away from home against Watford on the weekend, the Londoners comprehensively winning 6-1.
In the first half Bournemouth held their own, and were arguably the better side. After going a goal down, the Cherries got back into the game when Lewis Grabban scored his third goal in two league matches. Ryan Fraser provided the assist, the young winger was the star performer against Portsmouth and therefore merited a start. He continued his fine form against the Hornets, and was one of the very few positives Bournemouth took from the match.
In the second period the floodgates opened, and Watford capitalised on some poor defending to score five. Troy Deeney was clinical in front of goal, scoring a second half hatrick.
The result will be a learning curve for Eddie Howe’s young side. Watford are widely expected to challenge for promotion to the Premier League, so defeat against opposition of such high calibre shouldn’t hopefully dishearten the Cherries. After all, the season is long, and many new challenges lie ahead. It doesn’t get any easier for Bournemouth, up next is Wigan Athletic. The Latics will still be wounded after defeat against Premier League champions Manchester United in the Community Shield.
Bournemouth are back at the Goldsands Stadium for the Wigan clash. A ground which has the makings of a fortress, which clubs in the Championship could come to fear.
