Cool Cherries end Saddlers' hopes

Kuffour: Grabbed the second

It was the Cherries' fifth successive victory at a time when the future of the club is still in some doubt.

Walsall, losing at home for the fourth time in the last six games in front of their own fans, were dreadful and could have no complaints.

It took Bournemouth only 10 minutes to open up the poor Saddlers' defence, Sam Vokes heading down for Danny Hollands to score with a deflected shot - his fifth of the season.

Walsall's hopes were briefly raised when Kevin Betsy equalised on 33 minutes, but straight from the restart Bournemouth strolled through the home defence again for Jo Kuffour to restore their lead with his 13th of the season.

Any hopes the Saddlers had of saving the game vanished in the 62nd minute when young defender Manny Smith tripped Kuffour and Brett Pitman scored their third from the penalty spot.