Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Chest perfect for scorer Connell
CLINICAL Alan Connell fired Cherries into the FA Cup second round before expressing his delight at erasing the memory of his Saltergate nightmare.[LNB] Connell scored twice and had a hand in Sammy Igoe's goal as Cherries struck back from 1-0 down to emphatically see off the challenge of League Two rivals Chesterfield on Saturday.[LNB] The former Hereford and Brentford hotshot produced another improved display to help Cherries record a highly-impressive 3-1 win, inflicting the Spireites' first defeat on home soil this season in the process.[LNB] And Connell's joy was in stark contrast to the disappointment he suffered following a penalty miss as Cherries lost at the Derbyshire venue back in February.[LNB] Discussing that spot-kick, the popular 26-year-old told the Echo: The boys were winding me up a little bit before the game, saying I hope we don't get a penalty today Al' and all that sort of thing.[LNB] But I was delighted to exorcise that ghost, because it was a difficult time last season and that was a bad memory.[LNB] It was great to score two and I wish I'd got another one, but I'm happy I scored two and we're through.[LNB] Connell, a fans' favourite during his first spell with Cherries between 2002 and 2005, has endured a tough time since returning to Dean Court.[LNB] He has suffered injury problems, which paled into insignificance when his late mother Sue passed away in March following illness.[LNB] The frontman netted his first goal since moving back to Dorset against Yeovil in September and his performances have steadily improved in recent weeks..[LNB] Connell said: I'm really pleased with how the past few weeks have gone.[LNB] I feel fit and sharp and I'm enjoying playing for this team.[LNB] On another day, Connell could quite easily have claimed the match ball, having failed to work the goalkeeper with two second-half headers.[LNB] If I'd have missed those on a hat-trick I would've been more disappointed, he added.[LNB] But I was pleased to get in those areas and get good contact on them. I probably should have hit the target with at least one of them, but I'm really pleased with my form and the team at the moment.[LNB] We've got to be pleased we're in the next round and I think that will give the whole club a boost.[LNB] Boss Eddie Howe added: I felt this was a game suited to Alan and he didn't disappoint. I thought he was excellent.[LNB]
