After the trauma's of last season, AFC Bournemouth go in to the 2009-10 League 2 campaign on zero points!  Last season was certainly not a level playing field as both ourselves and Rotherham had minus 17 points and Luton had what proved to be an obstacle too far with a 30 point deduction.  Darlington could though still face life on further deductions as their administration was not their first.

The first game of the new campaign comes at Gigg Lane, Bury on 8 August.  The Shakers just missed out on automatic promotion last season and then lost on penalties in the play off semi final against Shrewsbury.  In the two games between the sides last term, the Cherries won the home game 2-0 and then more recently at Bury, it was also the home side who came out on top, winning 1-0 in a game of few chances.

During the week, we make the trip to another side who made the play offs last season, Millwall in the Carling Cup.  The Lions made it to the League 1 final, where they lost out in a thriller against Scunthorpe with former Cherries loan keeper David Forde in goal.  The last time that the two sides met, Forde saved a penalty and the Cherries went on to win 2-0.

Our opening home fixture is on 15 August against Rotherham United, who have been installed as one of the favourites for promotion this season.  They quickly wiped their 17 point deficit last season, and without it, would have been in the play offs.  Last season, the Cherries put in one of their best performances at home against the Millers, but could only draw 0-0.  At the Don Valley Stadium, the Millers ground out a 1-0 win in Eddie Howe's first game after he was confirmed as manager.

It's quickly back to action at Dean Court on the Tuesday as local rivals Aldershot make the trip from Hampshire to Dorset.  Aldershot started so well last season, but endured a worrying second half to the season and manager Gary Waddock has made a number of changes at the club.  The sides drew 1-1 at the Recreation Ground last season, whilst at Dean Court, goals from Danny Hollands and Steve Fletcher gave Bournemouth a 2-0 win and we moved out of the bottom two for the first time!

On 22 August, we have one of the easiest trips of the season as we make the journey to Northampton Town.  The Cobblers were relegated on the last day of last season and will be looking to bounce straight back to League 1 and this one will be another tough games.

We complete the August fixtures on the 29th when Crewe Alexandra visit.  The last time the sides met was at the end of the 2007-08 season when a packed Dean Court saw Sam Vokes score the only goal to keep hopes of survival alive.  Crewe were grateful for our points deduction that season, but nothing could save them last term as a late slump cost them their place in League 1.

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