Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Pearce played through pain barrier
STEVE Fletcher lavished praise on lionhearted Jason Pearce after revealing the Cherries skipper had played through the pain barrier to boost the club's play-off push.[LNB] Ever present Pearce had not missed a minute of Cherries action this season prior to the epic semi-final, second leg clash at Huddersfield.[LNB] His campaign ended in controversial fashion when he was dismissed for a tackle on Kevin Kilbane in extra-time.[LNB] But Fletcher, Cherries' player-assistant manager, saluted Pearce's efforts and claimed others might have hobbled off with the injury the former Portsmouth trainee sustained at the Galpharm Stadium.[LNB] Fletcher told the Echo: He got a big gash down his calf. It looked like someone had cut him open with a knife.[LNB] But the measure of the man was proven because he didn't even bother with it. He didn't even take off his sock to have a look at it until we were back in the changing room.[LNB] It was probably 10 times more than anybody else would need to come off the pitch but that is the character he is and why he is such a huge part of AFC Bournemouth.[LNB] Fletcher added: He has been different class this season.[LNB] He is a dream to work with on and off the pitch. For such a young lad to have such desire and professionalism at his age, it can only stand him in good stead for the future.[LNB] I can't speak highly enough of him.[LNB] The red card would have seen Pearce suspended for the Old Trafford play-off final but he is now likely to face a two-match ban at the start of next season.[LNB]
