Ryan Christie delivered a spectacular performance, netting three goals to secure Marco Rose’s inaugural victory as Bournemouth’s manager in a dominant 4-0 triumph over Lincoln in the Sky Bet Championship. The Scottish international’s brace came in the 7th, 69th and 88th minutes, marking his second career hat‑trick, while substitute Rayan capped the Carabao Cup third‑round win with a calm finish in stoppage time.
Rose opted for a wholesale overhaul, making eight changes to the starting XI. Among the newcomers were on‑loan Juventus keeper Michele Di Gregorio, who earned his debut, and Uruguayan forward Álvaro Rodríguez, who earned his first start for the Cherries. Lincoln’s only retained starter was Ryley Towler, who had featured in their 1-1 draw with Southampton earlier in the season.
The two clubs met for the first time since 2010, when both were competing in League Two. Lincoln began the match brightly, pressing high and creating a few early chances, but Bournemouth struck first after just seven minutes. Christie timed his run perfectly and slotted a low finish at the near post from a precise cross delivered by Ben Gannon‑Doak.
The early goal set the tone for what would become a one‑sided encounter. Gannon‑Doak continued to trouble the visitors, cutting in from the left and unleashing a right‑footed drive that was blocked by Towler.
The Italian‑born goalkeeper Di Gregorio was called into action for the first time in the 22nd minute, making a reflex save to deny Dan Oyegoke’s flicked header, only for Towler to blast over the rebound. Lincoln’s keeper Joe Gauci also had a moment of brilliance, parrying a powerful header from Bafode Diakite that had been launched from a long throw. Bournemouth’s attack kept probing, with James Hill testing the goalkeeper from distance, while left‑back Julio Soler curled a speculative effort from 25 yards after a corner from David Brooks was only partially cleared.
Just before the break, Hill’s shot from the edge of the penalty area was deflected, resulting in a corner. Christie’s own 20‑yard strike was then palmed away by Gauci, ending the first half with Bournemouth leading 1-0.
The result left Rose’s league record unchanged – two points from three Premier League fixtures after late concessions against Manchester City, Everton and Newcastle – but it offered a morale‑boosting win in the cup. The second half began with Bournemouth nearly doubling their advantage within five minutes. Gannon‑Doak’s curling effort clipped Rodríguez’s head and sailed just over the crossbar.
Rodríguez, the club’s £21 million signing, later attempted a powerful strike from the edge of the box, only to slip and send the ball high into the stands. He then headed narrowly wide from a Hill cross, enduring a frustrating debut despite his physical presence.
Christie, ever the opportunist, headed in Brooks’ corner at the far post to make it 2-0, demonstrating his aerial prowess and linking up well with his teammates. The Scottish midfielder completed his hat‑trick in the 88th minute, converting a deflected shot from 14 yards after a neat pass from Di Akite. His third goal capped a clinical display that highlighted his finishing instincts and positional awareness.
In the dying moments of added time, Rayan added the fourth goal, tapping home from close range after a well‑worked move that saw the ball swing into the six‑yard box. The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive victory for Bournemouth, who now progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup. Post‑match, Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose praised his side’s performance: “It was a top performance for 94 minutes. We created many chances, both on target and off, and only gave away one opportunity.
I’m delighted.” He also lauded Christie’s return from injury, noting the midfielder’s hard work and fitness. Rose emphasized the demanding schedule ahead, mentioning upcoming European fixtures, domestic cup ties, and a grueling Premier League campaign, and reiterated his focus on winning games and titles despite being new to the club and the country. Lincoln joint‑head coach Chris Cohen acknowledged the superiority of the visitors, stating, “Bournemouth were by far the better team.
We aimed for a low‑scoring match and wanted to stay in it for 60 minutes, but we failed to implement our possession game and set‑piece strategies.” He also highlighted the learning curve for his side, many of whom were new signings, and expressed optimism about growth as a unit. Overall, the match showcased Bournemouth’s attacking depth, the impact of strategic rotation, and Christie’s resurgence as a key goal‑scoring midfielder. The victory not only advances them in the cup but also builds confidence as they balance domestic and European commitments in a congested calendar.