Stanislas continues his impressive goalscoring form as the Cherries scrape past Stoke

Bournemouth gained three crucial points in their pursuit for promotion as they beat Stoke City 1-0 following a tightly contested affair at the Bet365 Stadium.

Junior Stanislas netted the winner with ten minutes remaining to put the Cherries only two points behind second-place Swansea with a game in hand. The Englishman has been one of the Championship’s most in-form players, scoring seven times in his last nine starts.

Midfielder Lewis Cook played an exquisite pass between two Potters defenders, and the 31-year-old showed his class once again this season by slotting the ball under Joe Bursik with ease.

However, it was Michael O’Neill’s side who started brightest as they pressed the visitors well and created an abundance of opportunities.

After positive build-up play, chances from both Joe Allen and Steven Fletcher failed to trouble former Potter’s goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in between the Bournemouth sticks.

Nick Powell’s role further forward looked to be a masterstroke by City boss O’Neill as his combination play with Fletcher was instrumental in helping Stoke to create chances. The turning point then came when the Scotsman was withdrawn through injury.

Jason Tindall’s side began to take control and came dangerously close to breaking the deadlock. English forward Dominic Solanke reacted quickly when faced with the oncoming Bursik, but his chip could only graze the top of the crossbar.

The Cherries’ pressure continued in the second period and eventually paid dividends as Man of the Match Stanislas was able to convert from Cook’s pinpoint through ball.

The Englishman proved yet again that he has the ability to fire his side straight back to the Premier League following their disappointment last season. Saturday marked the third game in which he had scored the decisive goal to give his side maximum points this campaign.

Manager Tindall expressed his delight regarding the impressive form of the English winger, stating that “his contribution to the team so far this season has been excellent”.

He then went on to further praise Stanislas, saying “he popped up with another really impressive goal today”.

The result puts the south coast side back into third with a game in hand that could see them penetrate the automatic promotion places.

The Potters squandered their opportunity to move into the top six. They remain eighth ahead of their tricky FA Cup tie against Premier League outfit Leicester next weekend.

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