Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Danny expects a battle for his place
RETURNING Cherries captain Danny Hollands has welcomed the hot competition for central midfield berths even though it could force him to be patient as he bids to reclaim his place.
Hollands continued his comeback from knee surgery by playing 90 minutes as Cherries reserves lost 2-1 against Forest Green Rovers in the Football Combination at Dean Court yesterday.
Despite edging closer to full fitness and being widely regarded as one of Cherries star performers, Hollands is not guaranteed to walk straight back into the teams midfield.
One of the major positives to emerge from Cherries fine start to the League Two season has been the blossoming midfield partnership formed by Mark Molesley and Anton Robinson.
In Hollandss absence, the pair have done a fine job. And Cherries skipper is aware that stepping straight back into his favoured central midfield spot might not be a straightforward task.
He told the Echo: The whole team have done brilliantly.
Weve got 15 points now and are one goal off the top so it shows how well the team have done.
It will be a tough battle for me to get back in the team.
Its healthy for the whole squad. In some ways, if you go out and play and no one is pushing for the shirt, you might take your foot off the gas.
But it (the competition for places) gives you that extra incentive to get back in the team.
Hollands was one of Cherries best performers as they lost yesterdays Combination clash in disappointing fashion.
Goals from Isaac Shaze and Marcus Palmer put the visitors in the driving seat at Dean Court, before Joe Partington headed a consolation on 58 minutes from George Webbs cross.
Partington, who had earlier missed a one-on-one opportunity, displayed his versatility by operating in defence, midfield and attack during the match.
Cherries: Thomas, Webb, Oldring, Partington, Hester, Green (Parsons, 71), Bartley, Hollands, Hill, Harrison (Magookin, h-t), Tindall (Kemble, 60). Unused subs: Burbidge, Murphy.
Poole Town striker Charlie Austin, who spent the summer training with Cherries, began a weeks trial at Swindon Town yesterday.
The young forward has been a prolific performer during his time in the Wessex League with Dolphins, so much so that Cherries boss Eddie Howe took an extended look at him.
But with Cherries transfer embargo preventing them from signing any players, Austins bid to play professional football has now seen him travel to his hometown club.
Austin, who has previously played for Hungerford Town and Thatcham Town, is set to feature for Swindons reserves against Swansea City tomorrow.
