In a game that Bournemouth were treating as a local derby, both sides were in need of a valuable win. Before kick off the Cherries and Yeovil Town found themselves languishing at the wrong end of a compact League One and coming off the back of dour goalless draws. Three points for either club would easily change the outlook of the league table.

Despite the Baltic conditions, the pristine Fitness First Stadium's carpet-like pitch bathed in the March sun. The Glovers faithful provided support in huge numbers, keen to see their team go one better than the draw earned against Bournemouth in December.

Having shrugged off the knock sustained against Swindon, captain Terry Skiverton led his side out. Kevin Amankwaah made a welcome return to the starting line up, with the Glovers hoping his surging runs would create havoc amongst the Bournemouth defence.

After a quiet start with few chances to note the Cherries came close with an extravagant attempt. Pressure on Yeovil's left side gave James Hayter a view of goal yards from the net. With the ball at an awkward height the striker improvised, bicycle kicking the ball into Steve Collis's arms.

The Glovers responded positively, almost engineering a way past a resolute Bournemouth defence. An incisive pass from Skiverton allowed Arron Davies a run on goal. His cross had Bournemouth 'keeper Gareth Stewart clawing at air, but the ball landed on the top of the net.

Shortly before the half hour mark an impressive move nearly gave the hosts the lead. Stephen Purches's ball from the right flew over the box, only to be knocked back in again. A neat exchange between Steve Fletcher and Hayter resulted in the latter bringing a fine reflex save from Collis.

Two minutes later Fletcher, on his return to the starting line up, fired home, capping another tidy break forward. Purches again proved to be a thorn in Yeovil's left side crossing for an unmarked Fletcher, who calmly slotted the ball past Collis.

With a minute of normal time remaining in the first half, Stewart made his first real save of the match. A raking and inch-perfect ball from Adam Lockwood was latched onto by Davies, who dropped his shoulder to beat his marker. His shot had power but lacked precision and was beaten away by the 'keeper.

As the whistle blew for half time it was the home fans who were to enjoy the break more. A half that was low on real excitement came increasingly to life as the clock ticked on. Bournemouth's goal may have seem unjust considering the tone of the match, but when attacking the Cherries looked more dangerous and were utilising the advantages of a slick pitch.

Half Time: AFC Bournemouth 1 Yeovil Town 0

Thompson used half time to alter the personnel and tactics of his side. Andy Lindegaard replaced the quiet David Poole, and Yeovil adopted a 3-5-2 system with the substitute playing on the left flank.

The change in formation gave Yeovil a greater attacking edge, with Lindegaard in particular looking to push up. Bournemouth, however, were still dangerous on the counter attack, with the finesse and style of Hayter complementing the physical presence of the bulky Fletcher.

The progression of the second half mirrored that of the first. Both sides were standing relatively strong at the back, but Yeovil had the added pressure of having to chase the game. Bournemouth's rearguard looked solid and well organised, doing a good job of blunting Yeovil's attack.

Seventy-one minutes into the fixture the Glovers attempted a free-kick routine straight from the training ground that was comfortably saved by Stewart. Almost 30 yards from goal Lindegaard knocked the ball to Nathan Jones who trapped it to allow Lindegaard a strike.

Moments later Thompson again changed the look of his side. Jones made way for Kevin Gall who played up front, as the manager tried a different way to break down the opposition.

Twelve minutes before the final whistle Bournemouth could easily have found themselves two goals ahead. The tricky Hayter burst through the Yeovil defence on the left hand side with only Collis to beat. His shot was well blocked, and was unlucky to see the rebound strike him at pace, before Collis leapt on the loose ball.

Five minutes later Danny Webb, a figure who was not on the team sheet at the start of the day, was thrown into the fray. Before he had time to make an impact Bournemouth's Fletcher came agonisingly close to doubling his tally. James O'Connor picked out the giant forward with little company on the edge of the six-yard box, but his header went narrowly wide of the left post.

Despite committing men forward Yeovil were unable to find the elusive equaliser. Bournemouth ended the game victors, and the relief of the fans was evident as they ended their barren run of form.

The Glovers looked better going forward in the second half, but lacked vital bite in front of goal. As the players dejectedly trudged from the pitch they can be consoled in the fact that the overall performance was better than that against Swindon.

With Walsall next up on Tuesday night Thompson has little time to lift the spirits of his men before the trip to the Midlands. However, the club know that a couple of good results will propel them up the table and The Bescot provides a good opportunity to get the ball rolling.

Full Time: AFC Bournemouth 1 Yeovil Town 0

Report by Chris Sweet