Club News

Bournemouth 1-0 Albion

Baggies denied by Boruc heroics

*Wilson steers home winner (79)
*Boruc makes string of fine saves
*Chadli makes Albion debut
*Field plays 90 minutes
*Phillips hits bar for Baggies

ALBION were denied back-to-back away wins in the Premier League by an outstanding performance from Bournemouth goalkeeper Artur Boruc as they were beaten 1-0 at the Vitality Stadium.

A clever flick from Cherries’ striker Callum Wilson in the 79th minute was enough to give the hosts all three points on the south coast.

Albion threatened in an opening period of half-chances, with Saido Berahino coming closest in the 40th minute. His curling effort from the edge of the area sailed just wide after he cut in from the left-hand side.

But it was Wilson who should have opened the scoring in the 44th minute, blazing over after Evans’ clearance fell into his path five yards from goal.

Berahino had another opportunity in added time in the first half but fired over the bar after Bournemouth failed to deal with Craig Dawson’s cross.

Albion were dominant at the start of the second half and Berahino would have scored but for a phenomenal save from Boruc after neat interplay between new signings Brendan Galloway and Nacer Chadli on the left.

The Bournemouth ‘keeper parried Galloway’s driven cross into the path of Berahino but somehow managed to keep out the striker’s follow-up shot.

And he was called into action again just two minutes later, turning away Gareth McAuley’s close range header in the 58th minute.

Matt Phillips then came agonisingly close for the visitors as his free kick evaded everyone and struck the crossbar before bouncing to safety.

Bournemouth almost took the lead against the run of play in the 69th minute when Jack Wilshere found himself in space on the edge of the area. He squared to Junior Stanislas whose low drive was blocked expertly by Ben Foster.

But the deadlock was finally broken in the 79th minute when Wilson flicked Adam Smith’s cross into the far corner.

Albion pressed late on but were unable to find an equaliser.

Albion: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Galloway; Field, Fletcher © (Gardner 71), Yacob (Leko 82); Phillips, Chadli; Berahino (Rondon 63).

Subs: Myhill, Nyom, Olsson, McClean.

Booked: Evans (89), Field (90).

Bournemouth: Boruc; A Smith, Francis ©, Cook, Daniels; Stanislas (Gosling 74), Arter, Surman, Ibe (Wilshere 62); King (Gradel 74), C Wilson.

Subs: Federici, Afobe, B Smith, M Wilson.

Booked: Smith (70).

Referee: Kevin Friend.