CHERRIES boss Gary O’Neil described as “tough” his side’s delayed arrival that impacted preparation for their game at Tottenham Hotspur.

His side left it late to pick up all three points, eventually coming out on top in a topsy-turvy encounter with Dango Ouattara’s 95th minute winner.

Heung-min Son had given the hosts a 1-0 lead in the first-half, with Matias Vina equalising on his first start for Cherries.

Dominic Solanke put Cherries ahead shortly after the break, before former Cherry Arnaut Danjuma levelled in the 88th minute.

But substitute Ouattara ensured the game ended in his side’s favour.

A traffic incident on the A406 prevented Cherries from arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium until 2.15pm, an hour later than planned.

Explaining the situation to the Daily Echo, O’Neil shared: “It was tough.

“We set off from the hotel as usual, roads were clear, and then there was an accident just in front of us. So obviously, firstly, hope everyone involved is okay.

“And then unfortunately, we were sat without being able to move for sort of 55 minutes. Then we arrived, people were pushing hard to get us to kick off at 3.05pm.

“Obviously I was pushing hard to delay it as long as we could because the lads need their normal preparation time.”

“I didn't see the rush really.

“I was pushing hard to get it as long as we could.

"Sort of safety reasons for the players - need their normal prep.

“We got a big week next week with three games in it.

“Can't afford to lose people because they've not managed to warm up properly. So was pushing hard to delay it.”

However, the late arrival did not impact his side’s performance according to O’Neil.

“Thankfully it looks like we delayed it just enough because the performance of the players, especially at the start of the game, I thought was excellent.

“I thought we were the dominant side for the first half, controlled possession. Spurs’ main threat was counter-attacking.”