CHERRIES progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Saturday. Here, we look at the game’s key factors.

WELCOME BACK

Bournemouth Echo:

Inspirational skipper Tommy Elphick made his long-awaited return from injury and turned in an assured display at Fratton Park.

With only a 57-minute run-out for the reserves in midweek under his belt, Elphick did not look like he had spent almost five months on the sidelines.

And he was up against a couple of lively performers in Pompey’s Marc McNulty and Gary Roberts, both of whom have been among the goals this season.

Elphick, who was replaced by Simon Francis after 75 minutes, will give Cherries’ defensive ranks a timely boost at a key stage of the season.

JUAN NOT THE FINISHED ARTICLE BUT COULD PROVE A REAL FIND

Bournemouth Echo:

A lot was made of Juan Iturbe’s signing from Roma at the start of the transfer window and the pressure was certainly on the young winger.

While he showed glimpses of his potential during a substitute appearance against West Ham, it was also apparent a period of adjustment would be needed.

This outing was the next stage of his education in the English game and the signs were encouraging even if he was not as involved as much as he would have liked.

Iturbe has not made a 90-minute first-team appearance for almost 10 months and is still building up his fitness. Once he has, he could prove to be a real find.

EDDIE HOWE WANTS TO GO FAR IN THE FA CUP

Bournemouth Echo:

A revealing incident early in the second half, which went largely unnoticed, showed just how important the FA Cup is to Eddie Howe.

Trailing 1-0 and not performing at their best, an errant pass prompted Howe to turn away from the action and cast an eye over his bench.

A look of displeasure was etched across his face and he knew he needed to act if Cherries were to stand any chance of getting back into the tie.

He made the double substitution – with Marc Pugh and Matt Ritchie coming on – and Cherries never looked back.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Bournemouth Echo:

Joshua King’s superb movement in the lead up to him glancing home the equaliser was pivotal to Cherries finding a way back into the tie.

He lost his marker before his darting run to the near post was picked out by Eunan O’Kane.

MOAN OF THE MATCH

Bournemouth Echo:

Match of the Day deciding to air a brief interview with goalscorer King saying how Cherries had been delighted to get “the three points” was uncalled for and unnecessary.