Local sport for the Dorset Coast powered by the Echo

THE Cherries’ victory over Real Sociedad will be “very important” mentally for the team, after their record of conceding late goals in games that have cost them points this season.

MARCO Rose hailed the travelling Cherries fans as “unbelievable” for their support for the team as they beat Real Sociedad on a historic night for the club.

It was a night that will go down long in the memory for the Cherries as they secured their first ever European victory at the first time of asking, beating Real Sociedad 2-1 in San Sebastian.

Pirates are in the driving seat heading into Friday’s Championship semifinal second leg in Edinburgh and promoter Danny Ford wants his side to produce a professional performance to book their place in yet another final.

ALEX Scott is reportedly set to be called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad on Friday, and the midfielder said he would love to be a part of the group.

Marco Rose expressed his pride at leading the Cherries to their first Europa League victory at the first time of asking, as they defeated Real Sociedad 2-1 to get their debut European campaign off to a flying start.

The Cherries tasted victory in the Europa League at the first time of asking as they held on to defeat hosts Real Sociedad 2-1 at the Anoeta Stadium.

Live build up and updates from San Sebastian as AFC Bournemouth visit Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

Danny Ford was pleased to see Pirates come away with a big win in their Championship playoff semifinal first leg against Edinburgh to put them in command heading into tomorrow’s return fixture.

MARCO Rose has not been in touch with predecessor Andoni Iraola as the Cherries are set to get their Europa League campaign underway just a stone’s throw away from where Iraola was brought up.

Marco Rose admitted “there isn’t a master plan” when it comes to making his subs, but he said he will be looking to make changes earlier in matches as fixtures build up.

THE Cherries were put through their paces in a final training session ahead of their opening Europa League game tonight against Real Sociedad.

Lewis Cook knows Real Sociedad will provide a stern test for the Cherries in their opening Europa League game tonight.

Calling all AFC Bournemouth fans!

BEN Gannon-Doak was "quite pleased" to be added to the Cherries squad for the Europa League as an injury replacement for Junior Kroupi after he was initially left out of the squad, which Marco Rose said was a "tough, tough" decision.

Tonight, some 17 years on from their miraculous escape from relegation out of the Football League, AFC Bournemouth make their European debut.