BOSS Eddie Howe is hoping to have better luck as he looks to plot Cherries’ path to another victory after enduring a nightmare midweek scouting mission.

Howe and his assistant Jason Tindall took the opportunity to cast their eye over Cherries’ next two opponents when Shrewsbury hosted Accrington on Tuesday.

But with Howe’s satellite navigation having an off day, the anticipated 350-mile round trip to Shropshire proved a lot more arduous than the pair had hoped.

Howe takes up the story: “We left Bournemouth at three o’clock, which we thought would give us plenty of time to get there, even allowing for the conditions “Unfortunately, my sat nav seemed to have other ideas. It took us through all the back roads until we ended up on the M5, travelling in the wrong direction.

“We then got stuck in a jam for two hours and were at a total standstill, which wouldn’t have happened if we had gone the right way.

“We managed to get to the ground for the second half and watched 45 minutes before we set off home again. But on the way back, we nearly ran out of petrol as well.

“I asked the sat nav to find me a petrol station and it took us to a housing estate with no station in sight. Luckily, we found one a few miles down the road.”

Despite his ordeal, Howe described the adventure as “a worthwhile exercise” and said Shrewsbury – Cherries’ opponents at Dean Court tomorrow – had impressed him.

“Although we only saw the second half, you still pick up things which could be important,” said Howe. “Plus, it gave us a chance to watch Accrington as well.

“Shrewsbury looked very strong and the spine of their team was very experienced. They’ve got players who have been successful at this level so it’s going to be another tough game.

“Although we missed their two goals, they were impressive and deserved their 2-0 victory – from what we managed to see!”

Howe has a number of players sidelined with Lee Bradbury (ankle), Scott Guyett (hamstring), Alan Connell (knee), Joe Partington (ankle) and Ryan Garry (shoulder) all out.

Striker Connell had an injection on Wednesday to reduce some inflammation in his knee and is expected to resume training on Monday.

Meanwhile, Warren Cummings is available after recovering from a muscle injury, while new signings Anton Robinson and Liam Feeney have both been named in the Cherries squad.

  • Poole Town striker Charlie Austin’s training stint with Cherries has been delayed until next week. The 19-year-old will now link up with Howe’s squad on Monday.

He will be joined by freed Blackpool winger Dominic Merella who has been invited to extend his stay with Cherries after impressing Howe and his staff this week.

  • Log on to the Echo website at 12.30pm on Tuesday, February 10 to take part in a live webchat with the Echo’s Cherries reporter Neil Perrett.

You can post your questions about anything Cherries related and Neil will do his best to answer them.

Visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport from on Tuesday to take part.