Source: Northern_Echo
DARLINGTON 0 AFC Bournemouth 1
IMPRESSIVE debut performances by Jamie Devitt and Russell Hoult wasn't enough to prevent Darlington from falling to their seventh defeat of the season.
The home side fell to a sucker punch after only 15 minutes when hesitation by another new-boy, Tony Kane failed to clear Liam Feeneys long throw. Lee Bradbury was able to flick a header on to Brett Pitman and the striker executed an acrobatic scissor kick past Russell Hoult.
The keeper, on a months loan from Notts County, was one of three debutants fielded by Todd who also included right-back Tony Kane and winger Devitt in his starting line-up.
Hoult brought a calm authority to the Darlington goal while 18-year-old Devitt enjoyed an eye-catching debut after arriving on loan from Hull City last Tuesday. His confidence on the ball and willingness to run at the Bournemouth defence created a handful of half chances for Todds side.
On the half hour, Devitt played a neat one-two with Kevin Gall but fired straight at Shawn Jalal in the Cherries goal. This followed the youngsters cheeky nutmeg on centre-half Warren Cummings that earned the approval of the 1,999 supporters in the Northern Echo Arena.
On the 36 minute mark, Gary Smith clashed with Bournemouth skipper Danny Hollands and was withdrawn with Dan Groves coming on as his replacement.
The visitors enjoyed a comfortable first half but didnt press their advantage by threatening the Darlington goal. Steve Foster and Ian Miller repelled the visitors best efforts by blocking close-range efforts by Mark Molesely and Jason Pearce.
Assistant boss Dean Windass came on at half time for David Dowson to add some presence to the home attack that had given the Bournemouth back four a very easy opening period.
Both sides had chances in the second half as the game became more open. Pitman let fly from just inside the area but Hoult did well to tip over. And Kevin Gall had a great chance to level but he failed to connect with a volley from eight yards.
Shortly before he was replaced by Josh Gray, Mark Convery almost grabbed a goal when Windass and Devitt linked well on the right but the midfielder just couldnt bundle the ball past Jalal.
But the visitors extended their winning run to five games when Kane, who struggled all afternoon, handled in the area after allowing Robinson to run from the half way line. Pitman fired the spot kick low to Hoults left.
Quakers must hope they can arrest their dismal campaign away to fellow-strugglers Grimsby Town next Saturday.
Goals: Pitman (15min, 82min)
Attendance: 1,999
Darlington (4-4-2): Hoult, Foster (c), Miller, J Smith, G Smith (Groves 40), Convery (Gray 72), Chandler, Dowson (Windass 46), Devitt, Kane, Gall
Substitutes (not used): Knight (gk), Plummer, Bennett, Bains
AFC Bournemouth (4-4-2): Jalal, Bradbury, Pearce, Garry, Cummings, Feeney (McQuiod 90), Robinson, Hollands (c), Molesley (Webb 90), Fletcher (Connell 84), Pitman
Substitutes (not used): Thomas (gk), Guyett, Connell
