Cherries cheer safety at Morecambe
Morecambe v Bournemouth
Bournemouth completed their great escape last week but face a difficult challenge when they visit Morecambe on the final day.
Morecambe saw their own play-off hopes all but ended with a 2-2 draw at Exeter.
Stewart Drummond had opened the scoring with a powerful header inside the first ten minutes and the Shrimps were holding onto the lead going into the half.
City hit back in the second half with two quick goals in four minutes from Dean Moxley and Ryan Harley but there was to be one final twist as both teams had goals disallowed before Drummond diverted Michael Twiss’ free kick into the net eleven minutes from time.
The result leaves the Lancashire club in eleventh, three points behind Dagenham and Redbridge in seventh, who also have a substantial advantage in goal difference of 24.
Manager Sammy McIllory handed Fraser McLachlan a starting spot last week and the midfielder should continue his place in midfielder.
Andy Parrish and Henry McStay may also feature, but Neil Wainwright and Wayne Curtis miss out with injuries.
Over 9,000 fans in Dean Court watched Steven Fletcher score his 100th league goal to earn Bournemouth victory over nine-man Grimsby Town and secure survival in the Football League.
Town had took the lead through a Nathan Jarman header in the 40th minute but the hosts received a boost when Danny Boshell was sent off on stroke of half time.
A minute into the second half, Liam Feeney equalised after Danny Holland saw his initial shot hit the cross bar and with just 10 minutes left, Fletcher hit home the winner before Joe Widdowson received a second yellow in stoppage time.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations in the stadium and a pitch invasion as fans celebrated a remarkable escape from relegation after a 17 point deduction at the start of the season.
In November the two sides played out a tight 0 – 0 draw and with little to play for both teams, another stalemate looks likely between this weekend.
Verdict: Morecambe 1-1 Bournemouth