It
never rains for Spurs, just pours.
So
much was resting on this game. To have won would have almost certainly given us
a greater chance for the third spot. Instead, Chelsea beat Watford to go third,
but never mind, United and Arsenal slipped up and only managed draws. Which
means that, unless Arsenal get a miracle (an eight-goal miracle) then we will
finish at least in fourth place. And possibly third if in-form Leicester beat
Chelsea and we beat Everton. What this wild season has shown is that somebody
is pulling strings behind the scenes for us.
This was an early kick-off (12.30), which
meant I left my house at 7 am (Bournemouth from my house is only an hour’s
drive). Why so early? It all boils down to parking. There is good parking at
the ground, but you have to get there early. I got there just after eight. Paid
my parking and then sat in the car for a little while, then made my way to a
café nearby. About 10ish Jeff joined me, before that, I was talking to a nice
couple (Tottenham supporters). Stayed to quarter to eleven and then Jeff and I
both made our way to the stadium. Got my programme and then to the Away
supporters entrance. Saw Beverley and her friend and chatted for a while. Jeff
decided to go straight in, but I was waiting for the Spurs Supporters coach.
After talking to Beverley I spied Martin T, we chatted about the Ajax game, and
about 11.50 Martin P joined us. We went in – security first – and then I got
myself a good old pie and beer, Martin had a coffee (travelling away you get to
sample different foods put up by various clubs). Then to our seats.
I must
say, I had difficulty getting to my seat. A couple of days ago I injured my
back, so I was struggling. Walking up the steep steps to my position didn’t
help. On the plus side; it was more comfortable standing than trying to sit.
Jeff said to me that I should have brought my walking stick with me (and yes I
should have).
For
those of you who are interested: Bournemouth FC are from Dorset. They were
formed in 1890 as Boscombe St. John's Institute F.C., the club adopted their
current name in 1972. They are nicknamed The Cherries. Since 1910 Bournemouth
have played their home games at Dean Court. I believe they are currently either
looking for new premises or will add to their current seating capacity (11.329).
A.F.C.
Bournemouth have won the second and third tiers of English football and were
twice runners-up of the fourth tier. They have also won the Football League
Trophy, and the Football League Third Division South Cup. Bournemouth have
spent the majority of their history bouncing between the third and fourth tier
of English football. Under manager Eddie Howe, they have risen through the
pyramid; the 2015–16 season was A.F.C. Bournemouth's first ever in England's
top division.
Going
to Dean Court is like how it used to be in the past. The bare minimum for
supporters.
We
waited with bated breath for the whistle to go. Our expectations were
high. Then the whistle went…
We had
two players sent off and Nathan Ake scored an injury-time winner for
Bournemouth. It was far from perfect groundwork for our team, as we face Ajax
in the Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday in Amsterdam, having
lost the first leg 1-0.
Son
was dismissed for losing his cool; for pushing Jefferson Lerma at the end of a
frantic first half, in which Eric Dier was lucky not to have been sent off as
well, and Bournemouth could conceivably have had two penalties.
To top
it all, just over two minutes after coming on at half-time, Juan Foyth was also
shown a straight red card as he slid studs-up into Jack Simpson. It couldn’t
have got any worse.
In
extra time, in the dying minutes, Ake scored, and that was that. To be fair on
Spurs, with only nine men we put up a good fight. Nevertheless, if we were fighting
a top-flight team (City, Liverpool etc.), we would have been made mincemeat.
They would have taken advantage of our nine-man team. Personally, I thought the
referee was too trigger happy with his yellow and red cards. It is interesting
to note that quite a few clubs that have played Bournemouth this season have
gone away with a red card. You shouldn’t say it, but sometimes when you watch
referees, there seems a bias against certain clubs. Of course, I am not blaming
everything on the referees, we also must share some responsibility for our
failures.
We
have now won just once in our last four league games.
After
the game I made my way to my car (struggling), luckily for me, the car wasn’t
that far away. I got home just gone four.
So,
there you have it. Now it is a waiting game. In the meantime, I fly to Amsterdam
on Wednesday morning for the Ajax game (back on Thursday evening, so a bit of
sight-seeing and a few tasty meals, I hope with celebrations added). I do
believe we can beat them, but we must be on form. Son will be able to play,
even though he will be suspended for the Everton game.
Until
next time, take care and enjoy the match. COYS!
By
Glenn Renshaw
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