Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries comment: Clark gracious in victory
IT was a fitting touch of class to end a proud night for the national game. As shattered Cherries emerged back into the arena defeated but far from disgraced a wall of noise greeted them.[LNB] But having been on the receiving end of the vociferous home support throughout a dramatic evening, this was different.[LNB] The Huddersfield Town public rose to applaud and recognise the efforts of the deflated opposition.[LNB] Led by a tearful Steve Fletcher, Cherries had returned to thank their travelling fans. They got more than they bargained for.[LNB] Cheered to the rafters by the magnanimous home fans and heavily praised by gracious Terriers boss Lee Clark, Cherries made many friends in the north.[LNB] Given what the crowd had just witnessed, the post-match reaction should have come as no surprise.[LNB] No matter what your allegiances, this Dean Court crop are an endearing bunch to watch never more so than on Wednesday night.[LNB] The underdogs of the play-off quartet, Cherries were daring in their approach to the game and resilient when they looked down and out.[LNB] They gave as good as they got in an epic encounter.[LNB] Already described as a Football League classic, there can have been few better games screened by Sky Sports in recent years.[LNB] Afterwards, the west Yorkshire public made their feelings known.[LNB] Jubilant at their own victory, the fact they led the applause for the men from Dorset was a fine gesture from a club that knows what it is like to meet with misery in the play-offs.[LNB] Knocked out at the same stage last year, Clark and his team learned the hard way.[LNB] Now, Cherries must attempt to do the same.[LNB] If they are to stand any chance of following Huddersfield by going one better in 2011-12, the close season will be crucial.[LNB] The flip side of Cherries' rapid rise is the attention it has thrust upon the club's players.[LNB] Supporters will be hoping for a quiet summer but face an anxious wait to discover whether Lee Bradbury's impressive squad will make it to the start line intact come August.[LNB] There is likely to be no shortage of potential suitors for this talented group, while chairman Eddie Mitchell has already issued the hands-off warnings.[LNB] But those worries should be saved for another day.[LNB] For now, at least, the Dean Court faithful should enjoy what has been another remarkable campaign.[LNB] With the prize great and the occasion the biggest some of the players would have faced, Cherries were brave in their approach and dared to dream.[LNB] In short, they played their part in a game that captured the imagination of the football-watching nation.[LNB] Like their Huddersfield counterparts and Terriers manager Clark, Cherries' fans should reflect on the nature of Wednesday's swashbuckling display and praise their boys.[LNB] It has been a season worth applauding.[LNB]
