Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Bradders hails Connell persistence
LEE Bradbury helped Alan Connell complete a controversial Dean Court salvage mission and then saluted the striker's persistence.[LNB] Substitute Connell shrugged off the disappointment of two earlier missed opportunities to prevent an embarrassing home defeat at the hands of lowly Macclesfield.[LNB] Connell, who replaced Steve Fletcher at the interval, cancelled out Nat Brown's 62nd-minute opener by clinically converting a late leveller from close range.[LNB] The equaliser ended a near four-month wait for a league goal for the 27-year-old, who politely declined to speak to the Echo.[LNB] And Bradbury, who has more than 100 career goals to his name, hailed the resilience his colleague showed to grab Cherries a deserved point.[LNB] The former Manchester City and Pompey star said: He was upset he missed a couple of chances but that happens as a striker you're going to miss chances.[LNB] But he kept believing in himself he's a good player and ended up getting the goal he deserved.[LNB] The fans got on his back a little bit when he missed a couple of chances. It's frustrating for them and we understand that.[LNB] But Al kept faith in himself like you should do. Confidence is a major part of your game and he kept going and got his reward.[LNB] Connell has endured a frustrating season, with the fine form of Pitman and Fletcher keeping him out of Cherries' starting line-up for long periods. But according to boss Howe, he has put himself in the frame for a start against Barnet tomorrow.[LNB] Howe said: He's put himself in the picture and we'll have to have a look at it. It gives me a selection problem which is always nice.[LNB] Connell's goal on Saturday sparked a furious reaction from the Macclesfield players and staff, with manager Keith Alexander sent to the stands for protesting the decision of referee Graham Horwood not to award a foul against Connell in the build-up.[LNB] Angry Alexander described it as an absolute joke.[LNB] When asked for his opinion, Howe added: It looked a free-kick from where we were, but Alan said he didn't touch him so I don't know.[LNB]
