Cherries through despite FA Youth Cup scare

AFC Bournemouth under-18s survived an FA Youth Cup scare as they beat Barnet 4-3 to qualify for the fourth round of the competition.

The Cherries were in total control at half-time as Christian Saydee's double and goals from Harvey Bertrand and Luke Pardoe put them 4-0 in front.

However, three goals in the space of seven minutes at the start of the second half saw Barnet reduce the deficit to 4-3.

Wraynel Hercules scored 51 seconds after the break, Enrico Greco netted from the penalty spot and Okem Chime scored a solo goal to bring his cup tally to ten this season.

The Cherries retained their one-goal lead to progress into the fourth round where they will face either Cardiff or Ipswich.

Bertrand had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring in the third minute when Ben Greenwood had his shot spilled by Bees goalkeeper James Callan.

But the defender couldn’t quite find the back of the net as his shot was scuffed and cleared off the line.

Pardoe sent a low teasing crossing across goal towards Euan Pollock, but the striker couldn’t quite squeeze it in the near post as it ruffled the side netting.

Saydee had the chance to break the deadlock in the 13th minute as he turned away from his man and unleashed a shot from just outside of the box. However, his effort narrowly evaded the far post.

Cameron Plain made a comfortable save to deny Chime before the Cherries goalkeeper came rushing off his line to deny the Barnet frontman.

The first goal finally came when skipper Saydee met Greenwood’s low driven cross with his powerful connection ricocheting off the underside of the crossbar to give the Cherries the lead in the 28th minute.

Only three minutes later, the lead was doubled as Pardoe picked up the ball from a corner clearance and drilled it across the face of the goal with Bertrand waiting to tap in from just a few yards.

The Cherries were really in their stride by the 36th minute and had a third when James Oliver took on his man before dragging a cross back into the penalty box where Pardoe was left unmarked and rifled home to make it 3-0.

Just shy of the half-time whistle three became four when Brooklyn Genesini played a ball towards Saydee just inside the box.

The striker took one touch, turned and shot a bullet of a strike into the back of the net to brilliantly bring his tally for the season to 18 goals.

However, just 51 seconds into the second half, Barnet gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Chime played in Hercules who turned and perfectly placed a finish in off the far post.

And four minutes later, the Cherries had a game on their hands. Bertrand brought down Chime just inside the box and referee Michael Begley pointed to the spot. Greco stepped up and fired the penalty into the top right corner to make it 4-2.

Chime continued his inspired cup scoring form two minutes later as Barnet managed a trio of goals in just seven minutes.

He received the ball inside the area, controlled it and beat his man before placing it into the bottom corner.

Cherries captain Saydee had to be replaced in the 57th minute after picking up an injury. Khavarn Williams was the man to come on to replace him and the armband was given to Bertrand.

Jack Wadham tried to secure himself another goal of the month nomination with a strike from 25 yards, but Callan was equal to it.

In added time, Barnet pushed for a dramatic late equaliser but the hosts stood firm to confirm their progress.