NEARLY man Andrew Surman admitted a poorer connection on his late effort against Rotherham might have given Cherries all three points.

The 28-year-old midfielder, making his first appearance since rejoining Cherries on deadline day, almost capped a late cameo with a stunning winner.

The substitute’s long-range ripper was palmed away by Millers stopper Adam Collin after Jordan Bowery had moments earlier levelled matters at 1-1.

A season-long loan at Dean Court in 2013-14 failed to yield a goal for Surman, now in his third spell with the club, and he was disappointed not to register his first Cherries goal since December 2005.

Surman told the Daily Echo: “I felt I struck it really well, almost too well. Unfortunately, I think the keeper was already on that side of the goal.

“The shot went more or less at him so he just had to palm it away, but if it had been either side of him then he might have struggled.

“I thought afterwards that it had been a long time since I had scored for Bournemouth.

“I remember wondering what I had to do to score a couple of time last season. A lot of the time it came down to good saves or a shot that was just past the post, but I’m sure it will come.”

Despite missing out on victory, Surman relished getting back in the old matchday routine with Cherries following his permanent switch from Norwich.

He continued: “It was really nice to be back and I felt like I slipped straight back into it. I really enjoyed it and it was good to play a part, even though it was disappointing at the end.

“It was a tough game. They frustrated us and it was difficult to break them down at times. Having got 1-0 up it was frustrating that we threw it away, especially in the last few minutes.

“Although they had a bit of a go in the second half we controlled the game, but unfortunately we switched off at one set piece and that is the strength of their game.

“We had worked on balls into the box all week and if you switch off at the vital moment it can cost you, and that’s what happened.

“It is really frustrating because it’s two points lost but I suppose you have to try and take the positives out of the game.”