Tom Salmon's brace in Lions win

Tom Salmon brace on Bournemouth return

Tom Salmon marked his return from Cardiff & Met with a first half brace as Bournemouth celebrated back-to-back South League Premier Division 2 West victories with a 4-2 win over Southgate.
Bournemouth are the only side to have won both their opening games – they won 3-0 at Slough – and already enjoy a two-point lead at the top ahead of Saturday’s visit to winless Henley.
The Lions, who finished fifth last season, began sharply and, after an early chance had gone begging, took the lead through Charlie Cooper.
Southgate, the only side to have won at Chapel Gate last season, showed they are not a side to be taken lightly and proceeded to reply quickly with Lum Chau picking up a deflection off goalkeeper Jezz Baker to equalise at the back post.
Bournemouth continued to have the majority of chances with Tom Salmon smartly converting successive penalty corners, the first beating the Southgate keeper down to his right and then rifling the next shot into the top right.
A move between Euan Etheridge and Cooper set up Conor Moors (23 goals last term) for his first of the season to give Bournemouth an emphatic 4-1 lead.
Southgate, whose first team plays in National League South, were back in the game before half-time with Andy Westbrook converting a penalty stroke awarded against Baker.
Bournemouth ought to have put the game to bed but missed a glut of second half chances and almost caused themselves late and undue concern when Baker conceded another penalty stroke.
But, on this occasion, he redeemed himself by making a fine save down to his left to guarantee a 4-2 Bournemouth victory.