AFC Bournemouth
Harry Arter marked his return from injury by scoring a stunning winner in Fulham’s FA Cup third-round victory over Aston Villa.
Arter came off the bench and rifled home the decisive strike from 25 yards within 120 seconds of his introduction at Craven Cottage.
It was his first taste of action since October 19th, the 30-year-old midfielder having been sidelined by a nagging calf problem.
Arter, who replaced Kevin McDonald in the 72nd minute, beat Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland all ends up with his dipping left-foot shot, a leading contender for the goal of the round.
His first goal since November 2017 restored the Cottagers’ lead after Anthony Knockaert’s finely-taken effort had been cancelled out by Anwar El Ghazi.
“Both goals were pretty special,” said Fulham manager Scott Parker before selecting brother-in-law Arter’s as his slight favourite.
Discussing Arter, Parker added: “It’s a big shame he had a bit of a setback with injury, but he’s a character and we all understand the player we’ve got.
“It’s moments like this, for Harry and the team, that you need to build on and get a bit of a lift.”
Mikael Ndjoli replaced Barry Fuller four minutes from the end of Gillingham’s 2-0 defeat by West Ham at Priestfield.
Pablo Zabaleta drew first blood for the Premier League Hammers 16 minutes from time before Pablo Fornals added a second in injury-time.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Tyler Cordner ended his loan spell with Ebbsfleet United on the wrong end of a 7-0 defeat at the hands of leaders Barrow at Holker Street.
John Rooney, younger brother of Wayne Rooney, led the way with a hat-trick, although Ebbsfleet had Jack King sent off with the score at 1-0.
Defender Cordner, 21, signed off after making 20 appearances in the National League and three in the FA Cup for Fleet.
NATIONAL SOUTH
Shaun Hobson and Sam Sherring (pictured above) both featured for Weymouth as they got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory at Welling United.
Goals from Abdulai Baggie and Jake McCarthy sandwiched a Josh McQuoid penalty as the Terras saw off last season’s beaten play-off finalists.
Sherring played the full 90 minutes for Weymouth, while Hobson made way for Ade Olumuyiwa after suffering back spasms in the closing stages.
SOUTHERN LEAGUE SOUTH
Luke Pardoe claimed an assist in Poole Town’s 3-1 victory over Farnborough Town at the Black Gold Stadium.
His inch-perfect cross was headed home by Marvin Brooks who added to Will Spetch’s opener as the Dolphins raced into a 2-0 lead.
Brooks made it 3-0 seven minutes into the second half before Reggie Young pulled one back from the penalty spot for Farnborough.
Pardoe was replaced by Adam Grange eight minutes from time while his Cherries team-mate James Oliver was an unused substitute.
Cameron Plain played his part as Wimborne Town followed up their New Year’s Day win over Poole Town by claiming a share of the points from a 2-2 draw at Hartley Wintney.
Luke Burbidge’s opener and a Tony Lee penalty gave Wimborne a 2-0 lead with Plain making a couple of important saves to keep out the hosts.
But efforts from Dean Rule and Reece Miller inside the space of three minutes early in the second half denied the visitors all three points.
Jack Torniainen was an unused substitute in Dorchester Town’s 3-1 defeat at Beaconsfield Town.
James Ewington’s double and a Luke Winsper own goal saw the Magpies drop to the foot of the table. Tom Bath netted their penalty consolation.
Sam Sherring picture courtesy of Mark Probin
