BOURNEMOUTH’s clash with Sparta Prague descended into first-half chaos after a flurry of activity left fans breathless.

The Cherries made the long journey to Prague to continue their high-flying start to the Europa League campaign.

The positive momentum looked set to carry on after the visitors were awarded a penalty in the opening half hour of the clash.

Midfielder Lewis Cook took the responsibility for the spot kick, and lined up the bottom left corner.

But he stuttered in his run-up, managing to send the keeper the wrong way, but dragging his strike too far across his body and onto the post, before it was successfully cleared away.

Fans were far from chuffed with the strike, with one writing: “Stop with the stutter penalties, just hit it.”

Another supporter added: “What is that technique? He put himself off, run and just hit it!”

Their frustrations were not helped five minutes later, when Ebrima Singhateh opened the scoring for the hosts in spectacular fashion.

The Gambian winger was released by a long throw from his own goalkeeper on the counter, but found himself surrounded by defenders as he ran.

But that was no problem for the 23-year-old, who shimmied and feinted his way past four defenders before tucking his effort home across goal.

But the hosts’ joy was short-lived after defender Tobias Guddal picked up a bizarre red card.

The 6ft 7in centre-back had already been cautioned by referee Erik Lambrechts after just six minutes.

This made his decision to move away from a falling long ball to instead rugby tackle Cherries frontman Alvaro Rodriguez all the more confounding.

The Norwegian somehow appeared confused as he was given his marching orders, but ultimately he made way to give his side a real challenge in the second period.