MATT Ritchie described as “a real kick in the teeth” the agonising moment when Cherries saw the League One championship snatched from under their noses.

Ritchie and his team-mates were hoping to celebrate clinching the title after the final whistle had sounded following their 0-0 draw at Tranmere on Saturday.

However, there was a nasty sting in the tail for Cherries and their legion of followers when Doncaster staged a dramatic smash and grab to deny them.

Ritchie told the Daily Echo: “It was a massive disappointment. We were watching events unfold on a television in the changing room and Brentford got a penalty. We thought they would score and we would be champions. But they missed and, seconds later, Doncaster scored.

“It was a real kick in the teeth because we thought we had done our bit. Maybe we could have won against Tranmere but it was a tough game. They didn’t play like it was the last game of the season and were battling and fighting. It was a tight game but we were disappointed not to win.

“We need to keep things in perspective though. Since the manager came in, the lads have been terrific. I was at Swindon at the time but you could see things were on the up at Bournemouth. The club and the team have come a long way this season and now we have got to look to next season. We have been promoted and we need to take the positives.”