U18s safely through in Youth Alliance Cup
AFC Bournemouth
- Attendance:
- 0
Newport County v AFC Bournemouth Youth Alliance Cup
Away in south Wales, goals from Charlie Seaman, Luke Nippard and Tom Hanfrey ensured Bournemouth moved a step closer to defending the cup they spectacularly won away at Wigan Athletic in May.
Manager Alan Connell reported from a successful afternoon against the Exiles.
He said: "We established control quickly with Newport looking to sit in, but we expected that and started patiently.
"In the first half we lacked a bit of composure going forwards and didn't take the chances that we perhaps should have done.
"After the interval we upped the intensity and played with more quickness. We scored two quick goals and that put us firmly in control.
"We then conceded, but credit to the players, the goal didn't unsettle them and we soon scored a third.
"The substitutes had a positive effect on the game, and overall it's good to progress to the next round.
"We spoke ahead of the game about the prestige of being cup holders and the players responded to that pressure well."
The under-18s, who are sponsored by Strategic Solutions, next play Exeter City at Canford Arena next Tuesday, the game having a 12pm kick off time.