GEORGE Bowerman’s late winner heaped further pressure on under fire Cherries boss Paul Groves as Walsall registered a 2-1 victory at Goldsands Stadium.
Bowerman bagged his sixth goal of the season in the 89th minute as the high-flying Saddlers ended Cherries’ unbeaten start at home.
Earlier, Andy Butler had headed the visitors in front four minutes before the break with Charlie Daniels netting an equaliser eight minutes from time.
Cherries boss Groves made no fewer than six changes with former England goalkeeper David James, who was signed on the eve of the match, among them.
Dutch duo Frank Demouge and Lorenzo Davids were also handed debuts, while Stephane Zubar, Josh McQuoid and Lee Barnard returned to the starting line-up.
Walsall appealed in vain for a penalty after Gareth Bowerman had gone to ground under a challenge from Miles Addison in the 12th minute.
McQuoid’s deflected shot was saved by Walsall goalkeeper Karl Darlow before James clutched a left-foot effort from Flo Cuvelier.
Eunan O’Kane saw his strike drift past the upright before Bowerman’s scuffed effort did likewise at the opposite end.
The Saddlers opened the scoring when Butler was afforded a free header from inside the six-yard box, the defender powering home James Baxendale’s cross after 41 minutes.
Eunan O’Kane drew a save from Darlow at the start of the second half, while substitute Josh Carmichael fired over the top from distance.
Cherries levelled when Daniels finished with aplomb, the defender slipping the ball under Darlow from close range after being found by Wes Fogden.
However, there was a nasty sting in the tail for Cherries when Bowerman popped up to win the points for the Saddlers in the 89th minute.
Cherries: (4-4-2) James, Cook, Zubar, Addison, Daniels, O’Kane (Tubbs, 85), Davids, Partington (Fogden, 80), McQuoid (Carmichael, 60), Barnard, Demouge.
Unused subs: Elphick, Grabban, Wakefield, Jalal (g/k).
Booked: Cook, Fogden.
Saddlers: Darlow, Purkiss, Holden, Butler, A Taylor, Baxendale (Taundry, 76), Cuvelier, Featherstone, Paterson, Bowerman, Grigg (Brandy, 88).
Unused subs: Hemmings, C Taylor, Jones, Downing, Grof (g/k).
Attendance: 4,951 (including 301 away supporters).
Referee: Tony Bates (Stoke).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel