Murray makes sure Howe’s gamble pays off

BOURNEMOUTH have the livewire attacking presence of Benik Afobe to look forward to, but it was a striker with rather more miles on the clock who proved their match-winner at Birmingham.

Just five minutes remained at St Andrew’s when 32year-old Glenn Murray pounced at the back post from just a couple of yards out. It vindicated Eddie Howe’s decision to field a completely changed line-up — with one eye on Tuesday night’s Barclays Premier League match with West Ham.

The £12m arrival of Afobe from Wolves sees the Cherries breaking their club record transfer fee for the second time since their elevation to the top flight.

‘He will bring pace, strength and goals hopefully,’ said Howe. ‘He’s a good technical player as well, I think he’s got the whole package. We’re excited to see him in a Bournemouth shirt.’

Birmingham, whose manager Gary Rowett himself made seven changes with an eye on important league games at Nottingham Forest and Derby County this week, took the lead five minutes before the break.

Captain Michael Morrison powered an unstoppable header past Adam Federici.

Bournemouth’s response was almost instant. Jonathan Grounds was adjudged to have fouled Eunan O’Kane and Lee Tomlin hit his penalty straight down the middle.

Birmingham pushed hard after the break and won a spot kick after the break but James Vaughan blazed the chance to score his first Blues goal into the stand.

‘I thought it was an enthralling cup tie and the amount of changes made didn’t devalue the competition in any way,’ said Rowett.