It’s happy Valley for ace Andre
POMPEY twice led in Alan McLoughlin’s benefit match – but they ended up quite happily settling for a draw as Adam May netted a late goal for the League Two outfit.
This south-coast derby was played in glorious sunshine and Gary Roberts fired the hosts into an early lead with a curling shot from outside the area.
Lewis Grabban levelled for the Cherries with a neat finish after good work by Ryan Fraser.
But Michael Smith immediately restored the home side’s advantage, calmly stroking the ball into the net after Enda Stevens’ effort was deflected into his path.
After the usual flood of second-half substitutions, Jordon Ibe – Bournemouth’s big-money summer capture from Liverpool – showed his class by dropping his shoulder before firing in at the near post.
And midfielder Dan Gosling appeared to have secured victory for the Premier League visitors in the 79th minute after poking home Rhoys Wiggins’ cross from close range.
However, there was still time for May to snatch a late leveller – albeit with a scrappy goal – to complete an entertaining afternoon at Fratton Park. CLARETS hitman Andre Gray warmed up for the Premier League season with his fourth goal in three pre-season games at Valley Parade.
Gray netted twice during a stroll in the sunshine for Sean Dyche’s Championship winners.
George Boyd and Stephen Ward combined down the left to create the opener as Gray nodded home in the 15th minute.
He then latched on to Dean Marney’s punt forward and was quids in as he made it two, lobbing Colin Doyle – the keeper who cost Bradford just £1 from Blackpool.
Ben Mee then finished the contest before half-time, nodding beyond Doyle after a David Jones corner.
Portuguese forward Filipe Morais might have pulled one soon after but Dean Marney intervened with a last-ditch tackle.
And just before the break, the Bantams reduced the deficit when England keeper Tom Heaton denied Billy Clarke but Morais fired in the rebound off the post.
Burnley also lost Ashley Barnes to a worrying-looking injury before the whistle.
Michael Kightly completed the scoring in the 80th minute from close range.