ON THIS DAY – MARCH 23, 2002

CHERRIES boss Sean O’Driscoll heaped praise on his players following their 3-1 defeat by Bristol City and said: “They gave me all they had.”

A late goal from Kieran McAnespie proved not enough at Dean Court as Mickey Bell, Lee Peacock and Tony Thorpe fired City to victory.

O’Driscoll said: “It’s always disappointing when you get beaten, especially at home.

“I suppose the manner of the defeat is almost tantamount to the way the season has been going because we came in at half-time really thinking we had been in control and we were 2-0 down.

“I don’t think you can ask any more from the players. I thought they gave everything they had and tried to do things the right way.”

A bizarre incident also took place during the contest when a supporter walked unchallenged on to the pitch to remonstrate with referee Barry Knight.

Defeat left Cherries 22nd in Division Two.

Cherries: Stewart, Howe, Tindall, Maher, McAnespie, Elliott, Cooke, Purches (Kandol, 86), Thomas (Stock, 63), Hayter, Feeney.

Unused subs: Broadhurst, Eribenne, Menetrier (g/k).