Howe believes it will take time to get used to the new FA Cup balls

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has questioned the use of new balls in this season's FA Cup.

The orange balls, which were used for the first time in this weekend's first round matches, have been nicknamed the 'pumpkin' in the press.

Howe told BBC Radio Solent: "I think it's very light. We only got the balls the week before the game.

"You train with them for three or four days and then you are expected to hit it off with them straight away."

The Cherries beat Tranmere 5-3 but both goalkeepers had an afternoon to forget.

It's only when you play with these balls you realise the effect it can cause for goalkeepers Eddie Howe

"You saw people shooting from distance with the ball flying through the air," added Howe. "It's going to take time for outfield players to adjust and for goalkeepers to adjust."

Cherries keeper Shwan Jalal failed to deal with two free-kicks that led to Tranmere goals.

His opposite number Joe Collister was also beaten by two long-range efforts from Marc Pugh and Josh McQuoid.

"It's only when you play with these balls you realise the effect it can cause for goalkeepers," Howe added.

Meanwhile, Tranmere manager Les Parry said that Rovers did not have the opportunity to practice with the FA Cup ball until they borrowed one from Bournemouth during the pre-match warm-up.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version