IT’S NO CHOKE FOR CHERRIES
Billing’s winner stops Bournemouth wobble
PHILIP BILLING coughed up the crucial winner to end the recent hiccup for promotionchasing Bournemouth.
But Scott Parker’s side made heavy weather of beating bottom side Barnsley, who now look doomed to drop back into League One after their surprising play-off finish last season.
With Tykes boss Poya Asbaghi away with
Covid, a section of the home crowd even called for him to be sacked.
It didn’t help Bournemouth’s cause to lose the experienced Gary
Cahill, who was sent off late for his second yellow, both triggered by bringing down
Devante Cole.
At least Billing got the Cherries back to winning ways after their back-to-back defeats against Luton Town and Hull City.
Manager Scott Parker praised his side, adding: “It was a big result first and foremost. We had to win the game.
“I’m pleased with Billing’s goal, he did well.
“We showed our quality to get in front, and then we saw the game out.
“It’s been a difficult week, with our defeat last week and with transfer efforts. It’s been frustrating trying to bring in more players.
“We still have a couple of days to strengthen the team.”
Barnsley’s assistant coach
Ferran Sibila admitted: “We were playing one of the best teams in the league, and we created good chances.
“We’re disappointed about the goal, but pleased with our youngsters who stepped up.”
Barnsley never gave up and late on sub Aiden Marsh forced a great save from keeper Mark Travers.
Yet from the start, high-flying Bournemouth had attacked the game with a will.
Even before Billing’s goal,
Cherries striker Dominic Solanke threatened to add to his 19-goal tally.
First, the 24-year-old hitman headed over the bar.
Then, from a superb defencesplitting weave by Ryan Christie, Solanke managed to bundle the ball the wrong side of a post.
But it was third time lucky for Bournemouth as Solanke carved out the opportunity for Billing to nod them in front.
With the Tykes’s defence all at sea, keeper Brad Collins flapped as he tried to get to the cross, and although he got a hand to Billing’s header, the power sent the ball into the net.
Billing was again in the thick of the action up front, only for Barnsley defender Jasper Moon to block his effort.
And once more, Solanke set up Billing, only for the Dane to hammer the ball wide.
Jefferson Lerma blasted his effort high and wide, but gradually Barnsley gained enough confidence to threaten.
Aaron Leya Iseka impressed as he raced in, his sizzler testing Cherries’ keeper Travers, who managed to palm out.
Romal Palmer set up Callum Styles, who blasted goalwards only for Travers to rescue his side again.