LEWIS Cook said he was lucky he got something on the ball in a strong challenge against former Cherry Ryan Fraser in the clash at the Vitality Stadium on Monday night.

The former AFC Bournemouth player received a frosty reception from the Cherries faithful, with each of his touches loudly booed, and he was substituted at half time, as Cherries went on to win 3-1.

Fraser left the club under a cloud in 2020 after he refused to sign a short-term contract to finish the 2019/20 season, which was extended due to the pandemic.

Cherries went on to be relegated and Fraser later claimed while at Newcastle that he would have ‘helped massively’ to keep the side up.

Returning to Dean Court with Southampton on Monday night was always going to bring a hostile reception for the Scot.

But if anyone was uncertain what sort of welcome he’d get, his name was immediately booed when read out as part of the team news, before the sides had emerged to warm up.

(Richard Crease)

One of the biggest cheers of the first half, aside from the three goals, went to Cook, who clattered Fraser after 22 minutes.

He wasn’t booked but received a talking to from referee Michael Oliver.

Asked after the game if opponents being targeted by the crowd had any impact on their treatment by the players, Cook said: “No, definitely not.

“I think he's, like I say, he's been playing in the Premier League for a long, long time.

“He knows that's part of football and I think when you look back on that when you finish your career, then the atmosphere, no matter how good or bad, you’ll probably miss it.

“So, yeah, luckily I got a bit of a touch on the ball because it was quite an aggressive challenge.

“Obviously didn't mean to stand on him.

“But that’s football.”

(Richard Crease)

Antoine Semenyo continued his fine start to the season, netting a sensational solo goal.

Cook said on his performance and start to the campaign: “Yeah, he's a powerful lad.

“We knew last year what he's got and we know he's got another level, so he's definitely shown that this year and he knows what I want of him.

“I want him to keep working hard, affect the defensive side as well, which he has improved massively on.

“But when he gets in wide areas, he's definitely tough to mark.

“Hopefully he’ll continue to work hard, which I know he will, and keep helping the team.”

Evanilson also got off the mark for Cherries against Saints, scoring for the first times since joining for a club-record fee in the summer.

“He's a great guy,” Cook said, when asked about the Brazilian.

“He's working incredibly hard and it’s a great finish, to be honest. And look, we know what he's got.

“I think other people know what he's got with his old team. So lucky to have him and he's going to keep improving.”