Under 18s In Physical Test - Youngsters begin cup campaign with draw

Cherries Under 18 side kicked off their Youth Alliance Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against a physically demanding Barnet side over the weekend.

Carl Preston scored a seventeenth minute goal in the round robin encounter. Cherries will be playing a number of teams they haven't faced in the League in recent seasons and Manager Joe Roach believes the style of football they will face can help aid their development as players.

He said, "They were a big physical side with nine players six foot plus. Barnet didn't look to play a great deal of football, but we started very well and created chances one of which we took to score our goal.

"As soon as we scored we relaxed a bit. Barnet got hold of game and proved quite a tenacious side. This will be indicative of opponents in Youth Alliance cup so we've got to learn to deal with it. It's part of their development and a good experience for the lads.

"We lost a bit of momentum and control. Last week we played with ten men and had a reserve game in midweek. That took it's toll on the youngsters towards the end so we need to monitor that.

"I was pleased with their attitude, commitment, they need to be able to take on principles we're talking about and apply them in games they play. They've got to react against opposition style of play while putting forward the way we want to play the match."

Cherries next two home matches against Brentford and Brighton will take place at Canford Magna, kicking off at 11am.

Click here for the Youth section of afcb.co.uk.