Bournemouth 2, Huddersfield Town 2

Dec 29 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Abbott then had a 29th-minute effort blocked before McAliskey struck, chesting down Holdsworth's flighted pass, advancing a step into the area and giving Moss no chance with a well-placed right-foot shot.

Both goalkeepers were called on before half-time, with Paul Rachubka holding a Cummings free-kick before Moss stooped low to deny Carss.

Bournemouth made the stronger start to the second period, regaining the lead just six minutes in when Spicer was left unmarked in the area to meet Stock's corner.

He mis-hit his first attempt, but the ball sat up nicely for a right-foot volley which flew past the helpless Rachubka.

Sodje was in the thick of things as Bournemouth sought a clincher, only to find themselves back on level terms by the hour mark.

Clarke looked on in frustration as his header from Carss' corner was cleared off the line by Young, but from the follow-up flag kick, Mirfin's powerful header sneaked across the line before centre-back Karl Broadhurst could hack it clear.

Both sides had chances to claim victory in the final half hour, Bournemouth coming close through substitute and Town old boy Marcus Browning, who looped a 72nd-minute header onto the top of the bar, and Town through Brandon, whose 80th-minute drive was pushed away for a corner by Moss.

Had the Town midfielder managed to prod home from Abbott's injury-time lay-off, it would have been a fitting reward for the 250 fans who made the 500-mile round trip, but tough on a home team who look capable of making the play-offs.

What price Town returning to the Fitness First Stadium in the end-of-season shoot-outs!

Next: Man of the Match >>>