ON THIS DAY – APRIL 25 2011

MATCHWINNER Steve Fletcher admitted Cherries’ remarkable Easter Monday comeback had helped him recover from “the worst day” of his 22-year career.

Fletcher sealed victory as Lee Bradbury’s men staged a dramatic salvage mission to see off League One strugglers Bristol Rovers 2-1 at Dean Court.

The 38-year-old’s clincher added to Mathieu Baudry’s headed equaliser as Cherries netted twice in the final six minutes to significantly boost their play-off bid.

A pulsating finale saw Cherries hit back to claim three precious points after they had been on the receiving end of a fight-back during their 2-2 draw at Yeovil on Saturday.

Fletcher told the Daily Echo: “I didn’t sleep a wink on Saturday night because what happened at Yeovil was the worst feeling I had experienced in football in 22 years.

“We were 2-0 up and cruising and I was distraught we didn’t win. It really hit me hard and I know it hurt the boys as well.

“We were brilliant for 85 minutes against Yeovil and capitulated in five.

“We didn’t play well for 60 to 65 minutes against Bristol Rovers but really took the game to them after that. We did to Rovers what Yeovil did to us and it was a great feeling.

“We showed character and a never-say-die attitude and you will take any win at this stage of the season.”

Boss Bradbury said: “I thought we looked tired in the first half but the character of the lads showed through in the second half. They were courageous and stood up and were counted.”

Cherries: Jalal; Smith, Pearce, Cooper, Cummings; Feeney, Robinson (Baudry, 65), Hollands, McDermott (Fletcher, 55); Lovell (Arter, h-t), Ings.

Unused subs: Pugh, Dalla Valle, Purches, Thomas (g/k).

Rovers: Logan; Senda, Anthony, McCracken, Sawyer; Williams, Campbell (Kalala, 39), Lines, Brown; Kuffour, Hoskins (Lambe, 78).

Unused subs: Howe, Swallow, Clarke, Pell, Green (g/k).