BOURNEMOUTH: Bournemouth scored five times in the first half to crush second-tier Swansea City 5-0 in the FA Cup fourth round on Thursday.
Andoni Iraola’s team ran riot at the Vitality Stadium as goals from Lloyd Kelly, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, David Brooks and Dominic Solanke put their Championship opponents to the sword.
Bournemouth had already beaten Swansea 3-2 in the League Cup this season when a last-gasp goal from Ryan Christie clinched Iraola’s first victory as Cherries boss.
There was no need for any late dramatics this time as the Premier League outfit underlined the gulf between the clubs.
Defender Kelly put Bournemouth in front after seven minutes, firing into the top corner following a free kick.
Scott doubled the lead three minutes later from close range before he set up Sinisterra for the third in the 14th minute.
Brooks piled on the misery for the visitors in the 35th minute with a composed finish from Solanke’s pass.
Solanke made it five in the 44th minute, applying the finish touch from close-range after Sinisterra whipped over an inviting cross.
No one could blame the dejected Swansea fans who decided to start the long journey home at half-time.
Those that left early did not miss much with Bournemouth taking their foot off the gas in the second half in a show of mercy.
Published in Dawn, January 27th, 2024
