The development squad continued their fine form with a hard-fought win over Colchester United at Maldon & Tiptree Stadium.

Daniel Adu-Adjei netted his fourth goal in three games to secure the victory, making up for a second-half penalty miss.

There was one change to the team that defeated Charlton Athletic on Tuesday with Ben Greenwood coming in for Balraj Landa.

The Cherries started well with midfielder Dominic Sadi proving a constant menace throughout the first half.

Firstly, he showed some great skill to beat a number of players before flashing a shot just wide of the post before seeing a close-range shot saved by Colchester’s experienced goalkeeper Sam Hornby.

Adu-Adjei had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring on the hour mark as the Cherries won a penalty kick, Nathan Moriah-Welsh being felled in the area.

The forward powered his spot-kick towards Hornby’s right but his effort was well saved by the shot-stopper.

The game could have easily swung in Colchester’s favour when the Cherries were penalised for a pass-back inside their own area. From the resulting indirect free-kick, Cameron Plain made a wonderful one-handed save to dispel the danger.

As the game opened up, Adu-Adjei was finally rewarded for his attacking prowess. The Cherries won a free-kick inside Colchester’s half, which Finn Tonks took quickly.

Michael Dacosta Gonzalez received it, opened up space for a cross and picked out Adu-Adjei at the back post, who couldn’t miss.

Speaking to afcb.co.uk following the game, Connell praised his side for their character: “It was a long journey, a difficult pitch but the mentality and mindset was absolutely spot on from the boys.

“We dominated the first half, created good openings but couldn't quite take those chances. We had to be patient and then not get panicked with the chances that came and went.

“We then had the setback of missing the penalty but the big moment was the save by Cam. As I've said before about this group, their mentality and character is spot on. We concede the indirect free-kick but all 11 players threw their bodies at it and Cam makes a superb save.

“At the other end, we've got a player in Michael that's capable of moments of magic and he produced a moment for Daniel’s goal.

“I thought there were some real positive signs and some real signs of maturity in our performance and it's nice to be on a good run. It’s important now that we rest and recover.

“It's been a really demanding week and it’s now time to prepare for Wolves in the Premier League Cup next Friday. Let’s carry on that momentum.”

AFC Bournemouth: Plain, Tonks, Wadham, Kinsey, Greenwood (Okoh 60'), Boutin, Moriah-Welsh (Landa 60'), Sadi, Williams, Dacosta Gonzalez, Adu-Adjei.

Unused subs: Allan, Eagle, Rees-Dottin.