Added to this, the guy in front of me decided that the best travelling position for him would be with his head in my lap - brilliant start to the day. Still it amused my travelling companions.
After finally sampling some northern ale in the club's Marquee bar (we were too late for the intended pub) it was time to " make some noise for the boys".
Now we all know that this was t the strongest side Wigan could put out - but class oozed through them. From their ability to clear up at the back as if under no pressure whatsoever, to being able to find space between our players where league 1 players never seem to.
And yet we fought, we challenged and we played. Not just hoofed but played them at their own game.
The travelling AFCB fans were AMAZING - all 2713 of them - I even forgive their 3 renditions of the Bournemouth chant (instead of 2) - today was a day for excess;-)
Our first real chance came on 13 minutes when a quick free kick was swung in from the left to Tubbs' feet. A heavy 1st touch had the ball bouncing away and cleared
On 31 minutes the game's main talking point occurred. Pugh (for once) managed to jink past his marker and ran into the box. A defender clearly stepped across him and sent him tumbling. PENALTY - no - yellow card for a dive. The referee completely bottled it and got it wrong - the crowd were incensed while Wigan fans had the good grace to look abashed.
This galvanised the team and crowd even more and 10 minutes later we were richly rewarded. Another attack down the right (Pugh was having limited success) resulted in the ball arriving at the all-impressive O'Kane's feet 20 yards out - he controlled then lashed the ball into the top right corner - unstoppable - not even the referee could prevent this one
The crowd we t crazy - I went crazy - we weren't just competing, we were winning and deservedly so
HT 0-1
The 2nd half was a different story with Wigan looking to impose their class and AFCB hitting the on the break. The problem was that we had no outlet - neither Tubbs nor McQuoid could hold onto the ball to give us any relief. Yes we did have chances - McQuoid not only did go close but as the half went on you could feel a Wigan goal coming - but not like this
On 68 minutes a Wigan cross came in and - it was a Wigan penalty. How, why, who ? We have no idea - even he Wigan players didn't appeal. Did the ref have this one down as a home win???
Jalal in goal - brilliant - more chance of stopping the tide than him saving this, I thought. To his credit, though, for the first time I can remember, Jalal saved diving to his left but could do nothing about the rebound
1-1
Pre-Howe this would have been the sign for capitulation - but not ow. With Fogden on we had an outlet and his running /fitness stretched Wigan from end to end.
This selfless running created chances for Arter and Pugh but the Wigan keeper was equal to their attempts
Wigan will look at 2 chances that hit the bar and perhaps rue missed opportunities but a home win would not have been a true reflection of the game
Summary - Bournemouth were excellent value for this result and will take great confidence into their next game against Swindon. Teams should now study and prepare for a Bournemouth onslaught on the league - their time has come
Star Player O'Kane - ran the midfield as if HE were the premiership player and scored a goal worthy of any player up and down the country
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