Atsu in Bournemouth pre-season friendly win

The Cherries defeated local rivals Exeter 2-1 at St James Park

Christian Atsu continued his pre-season preparations with a 45-minute showing for Bournemouth against Exeter City.

The Ghana winger played only the first 45 minutes of a friendly triumph, as coach Eddie Howe opted to give two different XIs a half each.

It was the replacement eleven, rather than the starting team, who guaranteed the triumph. Dan Gosling and Junior Stanislas scored the goals as Bournemouth, who had fallen behind after David Wheeler opened the scoring on the break on 32 minutes, came from behind to win.

Gosling levelled the contest from close range after fine work from Simon Francis, while ex-West Ham United man Stanislas secured the winner with a delicious effort—having beaten a series of defenders before hammering the ball past Christy Pym in the Grecians’ goal.

Atsu—who was a lively presence against the League Two defenders—himself had an opportunity to open the scoring in the first period.

The Black Star received the ball from Adam Smith, and lithely spun off the defender and sent an effort just beyond the post.

The 23-year-old appears to be warming up nicely ahead of the new campaign, which may prove to be a pivotal one in his career.

The wideman struggled on loan at Everton last term—failing to make an impression—and will be hoping that a competent showing at Dean Court will help to convince Jose Mourinho that he can thrive at parent club Chelsea in the future.