Bournemouth AC 3-7 AFC Bournemouth - Fitness drive paying dividends

AFC Bournemouth's pre-season fitness regime is paying off as the lads enjoyed a friendly with a difference last night. Twelve of the squad, inclusive of trial players, took on athletes from Bournemouth Athletic Club in a multi-leg relay.

The players, split into two teams of six, ran legs of two kilometres each making a total team distance of twelve kilometres. The runners each ran the full twelve kilometre course.

The footballers have been working hard on their fitness levels since returning to training two weeks ago and it showed. Only England vet International Mark Hargreaves and current Dorset road running champion Jon Sharkey could edge in front of both AFC Bournemouth teams while 2hr 38 minute marathon runner Ian White sandwiched between the two.

Thirty-two year old trialist Sammy Igoe was amongst the fastest runners from the Cherries proving that age needn't be a hinderence to fitness levels. Former QPR defender John Fletcher was by far the quickest with a consistantly powerful run putting the first AFCB team in front two legs into the race.

Warren Cummings continues to outperform where he was twelve months ago while Jason Pearce and Josh McQuoid also impressed. The lads return to football tonight in a match against Poole Town. Kick-off at Tatnum Farm is 7.45pm.

AFC Bournemouth Vs Bournemouth AC results: 1 Mark Hargreaves, 2 Jon Sharkey, 3 AFCB 'A', 4 Ian White, 5 AFCB 'B', 6 Rob McTaggart, 7 Andy Jennings, 8 Robin Copestick, 9 Simon Way, 10 Thomas Paskins, 11 Ian Graham 12= Mike Farrell/Barry Telling (guest).