Cherries U18s out of EFL Cup after penalty loss
AFC Bournemouth
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The Cherries bow out of the cup competition they won last year after a penalty shootout loss at Exeter City.
The Cherries twice came from behind away from home on Saturday but lost 4-3 after a penalty shootout to exit the cup competition they won in dramatic style last season at Wigan.
Alan Connell reflected on a game he felt his charges should have won.
"We started well," said the squad's manager. "Then Exeter's goal came from their first real attack, ten minutes in.
"To our credit we bounced straight back, moved the ball well and scored a good goal through Gavin Kilkenny before half time to go in level.
"Into the second half and we felt we'd dominated the game so were looking to continue that, but made an error to concede a penalty and were behind again.
"We showed character from there and Antonio Diaz levelled again with a composed finish.
"The last 20 minutes were a bit frantic and while we dealt well with balls into our box we did lose our way a bit.
"When it came down to penalties we knew anything could happen but we left disappointed not to go through - but with the sort of experience that will help any of the lads who go on to have careers in the game."
The under-18s are next in action on Tuesday afternoon as they host QPR in a friendly, kickoff is 1pm at Canford Arena with supporters welcome to attend the game.
This season the under-18s squad are sponsored by Strategic Solutions.