Jack the lad for happy Howe
LOCAL lad Jack Simpson made a dream start to his Bournemouth career with a debut goal.
Simpson, 20, is a product of the Cherries’ academy and was one of the eight changes that manager Eddie Howe made to his side from Saturday’s Premier League victory at Stoke.
The Cherries had to wait until four minutes into the second half to get their noses in front when Simpson found the back of the net from Ryan Fraser’s corner.
But Middlesbrough pegged the home side back in the 56th minute.
A counter attack led by Adama Traore was finished off in emphatic style by Marcus Tavernier. But youngster Simpson again was key as the Cherries then went back ahead.
He was pulled down in a clumsy tackle by centre half Dael Fry for a clear penalty and Callum Wilson stepped up and stroked home.
It was a sweet moment for Wilson, in his first start for Bournemouth in nine months after a long road back from injury. And he had a hand in the third goal which put the result beyond doubt.
Wilson scampered down the wing to cross and substitute Benik Afobe made no mistake from a few yards out.
The south coast club had dominated the opening 20 minutes and Lys Mousset had the ball in the back of the net after just six minutes.
But the Frenchman’s header was ruled offside.
Simpson could have scored early on when Fraser’s corner found him unmarked but he pulled his effort just wide.