TOP BILLING FOR TINDALL’S TASTY CHERRIES

Bournemouth reclaimed top spot in the Championship last night with a masterclass in finishing against mid-table Barnsley. two clinical first-half strikes from Phil Billing and Dominic Solanke were followed by a sumptuous free-kick from Diego rico and a stinging Sam Surridge shot as Jason tindall’s team made light of the inhospitable conditions. Despite the near-freezing temperature and incessant rain, Danish midfielder Billing clearly enjoyed his return to Yorkshire. Bournemouth had already squandered a couple of invites to open the scoring when they took a 12th-minute lead through their £15million recruit from Huddersfield. Just 60 seconds in, Surridge should have embarrassed Jack Walton but dragged his shot wide after the Barnsley keeper had hared 40 yards from his line but failed to get the ball. in contrast, Billing did not pass up his chance when offered a sight of goal, taking Adam Smith’s pass in his stride and decisively driving left-footed into the bottom corner from 20 yards. it capped a stunning team break from deep. the second came courtesy of a Barnsley mistake as lewis Cook stole possession, allowing

Solanke (below) to stride clear and thrash underneath Walton at his near post. Spanish left back rico curled home after Surridge had been felled seven minutes after the break to make it 3-0. And Walton could not keep out Surridge’s drive midway through the second half. ‘We knew if we won here we would go top of the league, that was our challenge and we achieved it,’ said tindall. ‘everyone was excellent.’