AFC Bournemouth under-18s came back from a half-time deficit to claim a 1-1 draw with Portsmouth in the league.

Christian Saydee's strike after the break claimed the point, with Alan Connell's side coming close to a winner on numerous occasions in the second half, while the defence was well-marshaled by Brandon Channell.

Speaking to afcb.co.uk Connell said: "It was a 50-50 game in the first half, we were a little wasteful in the final third, we defended quite well and passed the ball well which was pleasing in the difficult conditions because of the wind.

"In the second half we asked them to be a bit better in the press, as we'd been a bit too far off in the first half. We were better physically, looked stronger and created numerous very good chances. It was a big frustration that we couldn't go on and win the game.

"We scored through a nice finish through Christian but we had very good chances to win the game; whether it was in front of goal or the final pass, we looked like the only team that would go on and win the game.

"There's were lots of good things, we controlled the majority of the game and created a lot of chances, just missing that finishing touch."

The youth team manager also spoke about Saydee, who has returned from a long injury layoff to score in both of the Cherries' opening two league fixtures.

"He's scored goals and his all-round game has been good," said Connell of his striker. "There are things he needs to work on and he needs to move the ball more quickly at times, but there are encouraging signs that he's making steps in the right direction.

"We're pleased with him but there are still things that he needs to do."