Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Fletch gutted about penalty
HONEST Steve Fletcher refused to make excuses and revealed he felt miserable after conceding the penalty which cost Cherries in the capital.[LNB] Fletcher blotted his copybook by giving away the hotly-disputed spot kick which led to Dagenham and Redbridge's winning goal on Saturday.[LNB] The 37-year-old was quick to shoulder his share of the blame despite being one of Cherries' better performers after he was deemed to have felled Peter Gain before Mark Arber converted the only goal on 39 minutes.[LNB] Following the strike, Cherries rarely threatened as their four-match unbeaten record was halted in an unattractive east London encounter.[LNB] Fletcher, whose match-winning performance at Crewe had begun the run, was extremely disappointed at the outcome, but did not seek to point the finger at referee Oli Langford when discussing the game's only real talking point.[LNB] He told the Echo: I think in the 720-odd games I've played, it is only the second penalty I've given away.[LNB] For it to be the winning goal, from a personal point of view, I'm absolutely gutted.[LNB] It was probably the only header I didn't win all game and it cost us the three points.[LNB] It was a bit soft but I've got to hold up my hands and I feel responsible.[LNB] The boys have been great and they rallied round me. I held up my hands and said in the dressing room I was sorry about it.[LNB] When it is the only goal of the game, it's hard to take, especially after a couple of weeks where we've had some great highs.[LNB] Fletcher was a key figure in Cherries' wins over Crewe, Rotherham and Notts County in their recent revival and he quickly set his sights on making amends for Saturday's setback.[LNB] He added: As a footballer, you've got to take the rough with the smooth.[LNB] It is hard at times but you've got to get over it. We've got a big game next week and I will be hoping to put it right.[LNB]
