Bournemouth 2 Barnsley 2

Last updated : 16 August 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Newly-promoted Bournemouth and Barnsley played out an entertaining draw at Dean Court with both sides going close to winning it.

Striker Steve Fletcher scored twice on his 350th League appearance but it was not enough to earn the three points as they were held by the plucky visitors.

Fletcher was involved in Bournemouth's first chance of the game on 19 minutes when his knockdown fell to James Hayter who volleyed straight at keeper Sasa Ilic.

The home side took the lead on 27 minutes when Fletcher's looping header beat the stranded Ilic following good work by striker partner Hayter.

Bournemouth nearly doubled their lead moments later when Gareth O'Connor's cool lob went inches over the crossbar.

The visitors were back on level terms on 38 minutes when Craig Ireland's rasping shot beat keeper Neil Moss after good work from midfielder Chris Lumsdon.

But Bournemouth were soon back in front seconds later when Fletcher seized upon a mistake by defender Peter Handyside to slot home his second of the afternoon.

Hayter came close to adding a third just before half time but his powerful shot hit the inside of the post and landed safely in the keeper's hands.

But the moment of brilliance 12 minutes into the second half earned a point for the Tykes when Dean Gorre went on a 35-yard run.

Gorre slipped between two defenders before slotting the ball under keeper Neil Moss to score his third goal in a week.

Keeper Ilic came to the visitors' rescue on 73 minutes when he denied Fletcher a hat-trick after he palmed away the striker's half-volley from 12 yards.

Ilic was again called into action on 82 minutes when he clawed away O'Connor's fierce left-foot shot.

Defender Ireland came to the rescue for the visitors again moments later when substitute Warren Feeney rounded keeper Ilic only to see his shot cleared off the line by the defender.