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Dominic Solanke nets to move Cherries six points clear

 

Bournemouth went six points clear at the Championship summit after a battling 1-0 away win over fellow promotion-chasing Stoke.

Striker Dominic Solanke’s 51st-minute goal did the damage and the former Chelsea man also hit the crossbar as the Cherries inflicted a first home league defeat of the season on the Potters.

Jordan Thompson struck a post with the hosts’ best chance of the game, but Solanke’s eighth goal in his last 11 matches was just what Scott Parker’s impressive side needed.

The Cherries are now unbeaten in 13 league matches so far this season and have not conceded in their last six league away matches.

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill made two changes to his starting line-up, as Thompson and midfielder Sam Clucas returned, while Romaine Sawyers and Mario Vrancic dropped to the bench.

Potters fans were delighted to see popular striker Tyrese Campbell make the bench having been sidelined with a long-term injury.

Parker made just one change to his starting team with Colombian midfielder Jefferson Lerma handed the chance to shine

That meant forward Jamal Lowe had to settle for being a substitute as the Cherries looked to extend their immaculate record on the road this season.

But it was the hosts who had the first chance at the bet365 stadium, although Jacob Brown rifled a shot wide of the target.

Stoke keeper Adam Davies easily saved Jack Stacey’s ambitious long-range strike as the game hotted up.

Stacey shot wide soon after but then turned provider as Philip Billing wasted a great chance to fire the Cherries ahead in the 19th minute.

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Harry Souttar missed Stacey’s cross but Billing somehow conspired to shoot over.

Stoke were then struck with a sucker-punch as their leading scorer Nick Powell was forced to limp off with a foot injury.

Powell, who has scored six goals in nine games in all competitions this season, took a hefty knock from Lerma – and his evening was over moments later.

Wing-back Ben Wilmot headed frustratingly wide from Souttar’s header into his path from a corner as the hosts went close.

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