Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Skip Pearce ready for a tough tussle
STAND-in skipper Jason Pearce is readying himself for another tussle when Aldershot visit Dean Court tonight (7.45pm).
The central defender played his part as Cherries recorded a 1-0 win over Rotherham on Saturday in what proved to be a tough physical contest.
And he is expecting more of the same this evening.
It will be another battle, said Pearce. They like a scrap and, again, well have to work hard as a team and show the battling aspects of our game.
Hopefully well get the ball down a little bit more than on Saturday and play a bit more, but its going to be another good game.
Cherries will be hoping that Pearce is joined at the heart of the back four by Saturdays goal hero Ryan Garry.
The former Arsenal man suffered concussion against Rotherham and only realised he had scored the winning goal after being informed by team-mates.
However, boss Eddie Howe is optimistic that he could make a rapid recovery.
Asked if the centre-half was allowed to play so soon after sustaining the head injury, Howe said: There are no restrictions on us. Ryans still a little bit groggy but were hoping hell be okay.
Garry is not the only injury doubt, with Marvin Bartley (back) struggling to be fit, while Steve Fletcher is likely to feature again despite knee problems.
Weve got the usual things, explained Howe.
Big Fletch playing two games in a week is going to be a battle for him. Well have to assess how his knee is, but apart from that I think were okay.
Its a hard decision because were three games into the new season and what you dont want to do is risk losing someone for longer.
Fletch has done excellently and hes played ever so well, but he does struggle to play two games in four days. Everyone knows that, so well just see how he is and Ill go with what he tells me.
Meanwhile, forward Jeff Goulding is expected to have a scan after injuring ankle ligaments in training last week.
Cherries supporters are being encouraged to take advantage of a special offer at the Dean Court club shop.
Fans buying a home replica shirt before August 29 will receive an away shirt free of charge.
The offer is on a first come, first served basis while stocks last. If you cannot get to the stadium, call the store and reserve your shirts with a card payment and collect them the next time you are at the ground. Alternatively, special delivery can be arranged for £4.95.
Contact 01202 726325 for more information.
Cherries: (from) Jalal, Bradbury, Pearce, Garry, Cummings, Feeney, Molesley, Robinson, Igoe, Fletcher, Pitman, Guyett, McQuoid, Connell, Partington, Bartley, Webb, Tindall, Pryce.
Aldershot Town: (from) Jaimez-Ruiz, Chalmers, Grant, Sandell, Hinshelwood, Blackburn, Halls, Donnelly, Harding, Morgan, Hudson, Soares, Masters, Straker, Hylton, Winfield.
