February 17, (THEWILL) – A last-gasp goal from substitute Matt Ritchie secured a 2-2 draw for Newcastle United against Bournemouth in a drama-filled English Premier League clash, at St James’ Park, on Saturday. Ritchie prodded home in stoppage time to cancel out Antoine Semenyo’s stunning strike which looked to have won it for the visitors.
Dominic Solanke had given Bournemouth a 51st-minute lead after an error from Magpies goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. However, the hosts were swiftly back on level terms just seven minutes later when Anthony Gordon converted a controversially awarded penalty.
Eddie Howe’s side had enjoyed the better of the opportunities in the first half, with Miguel Almiron and Fabian Schar both going close. Still, the Cherries always posed a threat on the counterattack through the pace of Marcus Tavernier.
Bournemouth retook the lead with 21 minutes left when Semenyo cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable low drive beyond Dubravka. The visitors looked set for a smash-and-grab win until Ritchie popped up in the 100th minute to scramble home Bruno Guimaraes’ cross.
Both managers will feel their side could have claimed all three points in an end-to-end contest. Yet, a share of the spoils apiece seems a fair result.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
