AFC Bournemouth vs Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Timeline: A Rivalry Revisited

Introduction

The clashes between AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. (Wolves) have evolved significantly through the decades. From lower-league FA Cup matches to heated Premier League showdowns, the rivalry has delivered memorable moments—dramatic wins, standout individual performances, and moments that shaped both clubs. This post provides a structured timeline of their encounters, including match highlights, statistics, and standout performances.

Head-to-Head Summary

Overall Record

Despite Wolves’ early dominance, Bournemouth slightly edge ahead overall.

Timeline of Key Matches

Historic Highlights

Early FA Cup Clashes

• 10 Jan 1948: Wolves overcame Bournemouth 2–1 in an FA Cup Third Round matchup.

• 26 Jan 1957: Bournemouth returned the favor with a 1–0 away FA Cup victory.

80s Showdowns in the Lower Leagues

• 1985–86 Season: Bournemouth dominated with a 3–2 win at home and a 3–0 away triumph in Division Three.

• 1986: Wolves edged a 4–3 victory in the Freight Rover Trophy.

League Cup Thriller (1998)

• Wolves defeated Bournemouth 3–2 on aggregate over two legs in the League Cup second round.

Championship Battles (2014–15)

• Bournemouth secured a 2–1 win at Molineux in December 2014.

• A close follow-up result: 2–1 at home for Bournemouth in March 2015.

Premier League Rivalry Emerges

• Dec 2018: Wolves claimed a 2–0 home win.

• Feb 2023: Bournemouth earned their first-ever top-flight win over Wolves with a 1–0 victory at Molineux.

Recent Premier League Encounters

• 2023–May 24, 2024: Bournemouth triumphed 1–0 at Wolves.

• 30 Nov 2024: Memorable 4–2 Bournemouth win; Justin Kluivert scored a historic hat-trick of penalties, a rare feat in Premier League history.

• 22 Feb 2025: Wolves pushed back with a 1–0 win, Matheus Cunha scoring and earning a red card advantage late on.

• 1 Mar 2025: A goalless draw in the FA Cup saw Bournemouth progress 5–4 via penalties after Cunha was sent off.

Match Comparison Table

Unforgettable Moments

1. 1985–86 Double over Wolves – Bournemouth's resounding victories in Division Three.

2. 2014–15 Championship Double – Crucial for playoff standings.

3. Feb 2023 Premier League Breakthrough – Bournemouth's first win in top-flight history.

4. Kluivert’s Hat-Trick (Nov 2024) – A Premier League first—three penalties in one game.

5. FA Cup Showdown (Mar 2025) – Intense drama, red card, and penalty shootout deciding the winner.

Head-to-Head Stats – Recent Form

According to the latest data:

• Matches Played: 11

• Bournemouth Wins: 5

• Wolves Wins: 4

• Draws: 2

• Goals Scored: Bournemouth 13, Wolves 13

• Biggest Bournemouth Win: 4–2 (Nov 2024)

• Heaviest Wolves Win: 2–0 (Dec 2018)

What Does the Future Hold?

Emerging Trends

• Bournemouth appear to have the upper hand at the moment, with strong home form and memorable recent victories.

• Wolves continue to pose a threat with physicality and key players like Cunha influencing outcomes.

• The rivalry remains competitive, with various competitions still in the mix—Premier League and FA Cup matches likely to surface next season.

Conclusion

The AFC Bournemouth vs Wolves timeline reflects a vibrant rivalry enriched by historic turns, emotional breakthroughs, and high-stakes drama. From early Division clashes to Kluivert’s record-breaking performance, both teams have written noteworthy chapters in English football. With no fixture scheduled yet, fans can anticipate more riveting encounters ahead.