CHERRIES midfielder Ryan Christie believes a maiden victory of the season over Swansea will prove to be a “big help” for his side heading into the rest of the season.
A topsy-turvy cup tie in south Wales eventually ended up in Cherries’ favour, goals from David Brooks, Hamed Traore, and Christie outdoing the Swans to secure safe passage to the third round of the EFL Cup.
The win in Wales not only marks Cherries’ first victory of the campaign, but also the first of new manager Andoni Iraola’s reign.
“I think we were desperate to get the first win of the season after pre-season,” Christie told the Daily Echo.
“We had some good results in pre-season but obviously with the fixtures we've faced so far, we've faced some good teams and I don't think the performances has been bad at all.
“On another day, I think we get something from the Tottenham game last week.
“I think it will turn out to be a big help and hopefully it helps us going into Saturday, which is an exciting game before the international break.”
Brought on with Cherries leading, Christie certainly did not expect to be a last-gasp hero.
He restarted: “When it went 2-1 you’re hoping you can just see the game out.
“I think when the subs were getting made after that, you always think it'd be nice to maybe go make it three or four and finish it off.
“It wasn't to be - it's a great finish from the boy to make it 2-2 and then we had to kind of dig in and go again.
“So credit for the boys for doing that.”
Christie’s late strike saw the attacking midfielder tee up his effort with a first touch that took himself away from his marker.
Asked if it was intentional, Christie joked: “Well, I'm certainly not putting the ball on my right foot!
“So I try and put it on my left foot as much as possible to be honest.
“I don't know if it's gone through the defender's legs or what, but just glad to see it hit the back of the net and nice to obviously get off the mark for the season.”
The former Celtic man had to wait until October of last season to grab his first goal of the campaign, with Christie pleased to have made an earlier start in front of goal this term.
He continued: “I’ve been thinking that going into the last couple of games, it's nice to get your first goal nice and early in the season and hopefully kick on from there.
“So hopefully more to come.”
Cherries continue their travels this weekend, as they visit Brentford on Saturday, September 2.
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