Symes settles it for Cherries: Match Review

Michael Symes' second-half goal was enough to end Walsall's four-match unbeaten run and boost Bournemouth's automatic promotion hopes.

The winner for the Cherries came from a well-rehearsed set-piece in the 52nd minute, Liam Feeney dummying over Marc Pugh's low corner for Symes to notch his sixth goal of the season with a low drive from the edge of the penalty area.

That goal extended Bournemouth's unbeaten run to six games after a match in which both sides put the emphasis on the attack and in the 24th minute Bournemouth central defender Jason Pearce moved up to meet a cross from Pugh and send a header against the crossbar.

Walsall responded two minutes later with a header from Andy Butler brilliantly saved by Bournemouth goalkeeper Shwan Jalal and in the 27th minute Saddlers' striker Jason Price saw his header come back off the crossbar.

Walsall tried to repair the damage in the second half, but were vulnerable to Bournemouth's strikes on the break after Symes had put the visitors in front and it took one fine save from Walsall goalkeeper James Walker to prevent Danny Ings extending Bournemouth's lead in the 55th minute.

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