AFC Bournemouth v Crewe Alexandra
Another victory under out belts last weekend after a great hat-trick from Nicky Maynard and we travel to Bournemouth tomorrow in need of one point to seal our League One victory.
Last weekend's game was an exciting one as Maynard marked his 50th start for the club with his first senior hat-trick. Although we took an early lead, Cheltenham got back an equaliser, however, minutes later Nicky got his second and then wrapped up his three goals less than 10 minutes later.
Bournemouth are hosting the game on the back of a real push out of the bottom four. Just a few weeks ago, everyone was under the illusion the club were destined for League Two, but after a run of form with the pressure off they could still climb out of trouble. They will be feeling the pressure now though, as three points could see them take another step closer to safety.
They play on the back of 5 straight victories and a very impressive home record. Their last victory coming over Walsall as they run out 3-1 winners. Danny Hollands, Jo Kuffour and Brett Pitman from the penalty spot, were all on the score sheet. However, we have some good away form recently - can we go down to the South coast and end their run?
Tickets
Prices
Kick Off 3pm.
Pay on the day, tickets need to be purchased from the away ticket office, before preceding to the turnstiles
| Adults | £15.00 | |
| Senior Citizens | £7.00 | Over 65's |
| Students | £7.00 | Valid ID Required |
| Juniors | £7.00 | |
| Ambulant Disabled | £7.00 |
Team News
Crewe
There are again no new injury worries ahead of the trip and Steve will be hoping to be able to make just the one necessary change from his virtually fully fit squad. Patrick Boyle played his last game for the club last weekend as his loan spell from Everton came to an end, which means the timely return of Billy Jones could see him brought back into the squad should he travel with the squad. However, with his partner due to give birth today he is unlikley to be involved.
Neil Cox could both be involved, but Danny Woodards and Michael O'Connor are both doubts whilst Eugen Bopp is struggling with a hamstring problem.
Long term absentee's Ben Rix and Stuart Tomlinson are the only players ruled out of contention.
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Full Match commentary on Crewe Alex World - Click here for details |
Bournemouth have four players who are definitely ruled out as they are long term injuries, Neil Moxx, Gareth Stewart, Russ Perrett and Steven Foley are all on the sidelines.
Maxi Gradel was unavailable for last weekend's game due to a return to France to deal with some personal problems, and is unlikely to have returned in time for the game as at the time of writing is still in France.
Gaffer Kevin Bond could name an unchanged starting 11 as he has no new injury worries ahead of the game. Long serving defender Neil Young could make his final appearance for the club but with a settled defence may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Head To head
Our last meeting with Bournemouth was a bad day at the office. In early October, the Cherries came up to South Cheshire and took home a 4-1 win. Lee Bradbury has opened the scoring not long before half time before Maxi Gradel netted a brace in quarter of an hour to all but seal the win. Five minutes from time and Darren Anderton put away the fourth before in the final minute of the game Shaun Miller gave Crewe a consolation goal when he was on the end of a Byron Moore cross. The Alex had their fair share of chances throughout the game, but struggled to find the back of the net on that occasion.
The last trip down south was in September 2006 when a single goal was the decider. Despite making a promising start to the game, Leon Best got the only goal of the game 22 minutes in with a header as he got in front of Danny O'Donnell and put the ball past Ben Williams. It was to be their last game under then Manager Sean O'Driscoll. As the game progressed though Crewe had their chances to take home at least a point, but struggled to find a way past the keeper.
Our last victory at the Fitness First Stadium was in 2006, which is just three trips ago. Overall we have 14 victories to Bournemouth's 11.
Match Officials
Referee:K.D. Hill
Assistant Referees: D. Buck & M. Philpott
Fourth Official: M.D. Rowley
Match Betting
Crewe Win - 2/1
Bournemouth Win - 11/10
Draw - 5/2
(Full match odds available here)
Place your bets with the Alex's Official Betting Partner Bet 365 by visiting www.thealexbet.co.uk where every penny staked helps the club.
Official Internet Commentary
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Man-of-the-Match
Log on after the game to make your vote count in the Kinderton's man of the match award. Just email your nomination to lirvine@crewealex.net with your reasons.
