AFC Bournemouth
In this feature, which was originally published in the club's programme MATCHDAY, Adam Smith remembers a memorable game in his career.
With over 300 games under his belt for the club, Smith recalls the unforgettable 3-3 draw with Everton at Dean Court.
BACKGROUND
A tough start to the club’s first ever season in the Premier League had the Cherries sat in the relegation zone when Roberto Martinez’s young, enterprising Everton came to Vitality Stadium.
A narrow defeat to Newcastle United a couple weeks before had seen Adam Smith replaced in the starting line-up by Steve Cook and the defender wasn’t happy.
He told afcb.co.uk: “I had been dropped for the game and I was raging. I didn’t feel I’d done much wrong!
“I was double angry at the decision, and I felt I had to prove that gaffer should have started me in the first place.”
THE GAME
Everton had enjoyed a decent start to the season, led by the prolific Romelu Lukaku who had scored eight goals in just 13 appearances.
Ramiro Funes Mori and Lukaku had opened the scoring to give Everton a half-time lead, which saw Smith put on at the break, replacing Cook.
The defender made a crucial impact in the 80th minute, receiving the ball as a corner was cleared and directing a beautiful effort from 25 yards into the top corner.
He recalls: “I remember it came out to me, I had a perfect touch and I stroked it. I didn’t even hit it that hard, to be honest, it just flew off my boot. It was nice because it was my first Premier League goal!”
The goal sparked life into the Cherries who made it 2-2 with just three minutes of normal time remaining, but Ross Barkley’s 95th minute goal looked to have given Everton the three points.
But the Cherries had other ideas.
“Straight from kick-off, it came out to me, and I skipped past one or two players, past to Chaz, and he crossed to Junior to equalise.
“The celebrations were mental, the atmosphere was incredible, and Junior just ran to the other half of the pitch!”
AFTERWARDS
The goal gave the Cherries a crucial point and sparked a revival in form, wins over Chelsea and Manchester United following.
Adam Smith scored just weeks later when Bournemouth beat today’s opponents, West Brom, at the Hawthorns and the defender felt that helped signify his importance to the team.
“After that, it helped me and the rest of the team for the season, it gave us that belief going forward – all because of me being angry coming on, basically!
“I scored again against West Brom soon after that and it cemented my place a bit more, it was a big turning point for me.”
In total, Adam Smith has made 305 appearances for the Cherries and will no doubt go down in club history.
