Image © Copyright Chris Downer and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence
AFC Bournemouth have failed to record their fifth successive home win after a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient.
Jimmy Smith hit the winner in the 75th minute, heading home Jonathan Tehoue’s cross during a second half which saw few chances for either side.
Cherries were without a number of key players for Tuesday night’s clash, including captain Adam Barrett, ruled out with a hamstring injury, and midfielder Wes Fogden, who picked up an ankle problem in the 1-0 loss at Chesterfield on January 27. Winger, Donal McDermott returned to the first team after having been dropped for Saturday’s game at Hartlepool.
Bournemouth started the brighter of the two sides, with January signings Matt Tubbs and Wes Thomas both having early efforts saved by the O’s goalkeeper Lee Butcher.
Cherries were made to pay for not capitalising on this early dominance, when Orient’s Kevin Lisbie opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
The striker drove a low shot at goal from Ryan Dickson’s cross, which Cherries keeper Darryl Flahavan spilt into the net.
Although Cherries equalised through a Marc Pugh strike in the 33rd minute, it was not enough to prevent the O’s from gaining revenge for Bournemouth’s victory at the Matchroom Stadium earlier in the season.
Cherries now sit four points behind sixth-placed Stevenage, who have three games in hand.
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