Cherries still bearing fruit
JASON TINDALL hailed his brilliant Bournemouth defence as they kept a fifth clean sheet in a row — even though they lost ground on leaders Norwich.
It was the first time since 1995 they have achieved such a stat, with the Cherries now going nearly eight hours without conceding.
They did get lucky at Luton, with keeper Asmir Begovic in top form again.
The Cherries are now five points behind the Canaries, but Tindall said: “We don’t worry about Norwich or anyone else.
“It’s five clean sheets on the bounce and I’m delighted.
“To achieve that stat in any division is quite a feat — let alone in the Championship.”
Begovic’s superb save in the first half to foil Danny Hylton was the pick of the action, but his consistently good form is something Tindall is now used to. He said: “It was a good save from As, but it was a save I’d expect him to make. He would have been disappointed if it had gone in.”
Bournemouth enjoyed their moments in the first half with Junior Stanislas denied by James Shea from a free-kick, while Dominic Solanke headed wide.
But Luton had the better chances as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s free-kick was pushed away by Begovic before Hylton was denied from Luke Berry’s pass.
The Hatters came close to nicking it when Sam Nombe appeared to be bundled over by last man Steve Cook, a foul missed by ref Dean Whitestone.
And then Jack Simpson’s superb late interception prevented a last-gasp winner from DewsburyHall’s cross with Luton players queuing up.
Hatters boss Nathan Jones said: “Am I not happy with a point? No. I’m disappointed.
“Asmir is a top-class goalkeeper, he’s an international. In a lower league that would have gone into the bottom corner. They should have had a sending off, too. But I’m very proud as it shows we can compete against a top side.” 4 ........ Shots on Target ......... 2 1 ......... Shots off Target .........9 6 ................Corners ................. 7 16 ................. Fouls .................. 12 3 ............... Offsides ..................1 68.5 . Passing Success % ... 79.5 298 ...... Total Passes ........ 469 39.7 ..... Possession % .....60.3 60.1 ..Territorial Adv % .. 39.9
NO WAY THROUGH
LUTON: Shea 6; Cranie 7, Lockyer 7, Bradley 7, Potts 6 (Pearson 90); Berry 7, Mpanzu 7, Dewsbury-Hall 7, Norrington-Davies 6; Collins 6 (Nombe 89), Hylton 6 (Cornick 71, 6).
Unused Subs: Tunnicliffe, Pearson, Sluga, Moncur, Clark, Galloway, Morrell. BOURNEMOUTH: Begovic 7; Smith 7, S Cook 7, Simpson 7, Kelly 7; Billing 6 (Rico 57, 6), L Cook 6, Lerman 6; Brooks 6 (Riquelme 69, 6), Solanke 6 (Surridge 56, 6), Stanislas 6.
Unused Subs: Gosling, Travers, Kilkenny, Anthony, Zemura, Birchall.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Showed his class in midfield and set-pieces were on the money.
REFEREE: Dean Whitestone 6.