AFC Bournemouth's under-18s finished on the right end of a 4-3 scoreline away to Birmingham City on Tuesday. 

A brace from Baylin Johnson, as well as goals from Michael Dacosta Gonzalez and Charlie Osborne sealed the win for the Cherries, who ended the game with nine under-16s on the field. 

Alan Connell's side got off to a lightning start, netting after five minutes when Daniel Adu-Adjei's cross found Johnson at the back post, the winger converting from close range. 

Ben Winterburn then saw his fierce shot blocked after a good team move, while Lewis Brown had a goal disallowed for offside. 

Ahead of the interval, the hosts struck level, netting from the penalty spot after a foul in the box, the teams going into the break all square. 

A number of good chances continued to fall the way of the Cherries, Johnson having an effort cleared off the line before a second goal eventually game. 

Dacosta Gonzalez did well on the right, cutting inside and whipping a fine effort into the far corner, giving the Birmingham 'keeper no chance. 

Connell's young side continued to make their chances count as Johnson soon got his second of the afternoon. Remy Rees-Datton's ball into the box found his teammate ready to pounce at the back post, the visitors opening up a two-goal gap. 

A fourth followed after some good work from Karlos Gregory, who won the ball back in midfield. His pass found Rees-Datton in space, the youngster cutting it back for Charlie Osborne to fire home and find the top corner with a right-footed effort. 

Two late goals for the Blues made for a late surge, but it didn't trouble the south coast outfit, who held on for the win. 

After the game, afcb.co.uk caught up with manager Connell to discuss the afternoon's action. 

"The game was an ideal opportunity to get some of the under-16s up and give them a taste of what could be to come in their futures," he began.

"We were playing away at a Category One academy and it was a lovely facility, so the players were relishing the opportunity.

"I thought we started the game quite well, both out of possession and in possession, and I thought we gained control early with the goal.

"As the first half went on, I think Birmingham got a bit more control with possession despite not really hurting us. I had mixed feelings at half-time as we were creating a lot of chances, but we didn't have the control that I'd have liked.

"It was then just a case of being a little bit better on the ball and being a bit more aggressive on the press as well.

"At times, we did that better in the second half. It wasn't necessarily free-flowing with the changes we made. We lost a little bit of rhythm, but I thought the under-16s had a positive impact.

"We scored some good goals, but I'm a little bit disappointed with the two goals we let in at the end. It made the game closer than it should've been. It was a reminder of why standards need to be high from the first whistle to the last, but overall it was a great day for the players' development."

Connell concluded by highlighting the goalscorers, which helped maintain a good run of form for the under-18s.  

"From a performance and result point of view, it keeps us in a good place and it keeps the recent momentum going.

"I'm pleased for Baylin and Michael - we want our wide players to score goals and they're both chipping in.

"I'm also delighted for Charlie, he's been in and around us a bit this season and he's scored a lovely goal today.

"I'm pleased for those boys and I'm pleased with everyone's efforts today.

"Now we're looking forward to another friendly with Aston Villa on Friday, which will be another tough one but one I know the players are really looking forward to."