AFC Bournemouth's under-18s were defeated 3-1 by Newport County in their latest Youth Alliance League game earlier today. 

Having made an early trip to south Wales, Alan Connell's side got the start they wanted after Baylin Johnson scored after just five minutes, cutting in from the left and finishing beautifully into the top corner. 

A second almost followed from the winger, who hit a shot narrowly over the crossbar before forcing the Exiles shot-stopper into a good low save at the back post. 

However, the hosts grew into the game and pounced on a loose ball just before the break, with a cross coming into the box for the striker to tap home. 

After the interval, County continued where they left off and soon took the lead after winning the ball back in the Cherries half, a fast counter-attack proving too tough to break down. 

A third followed to give Newport some breathing space, a 25 yard shot ending up in the top corner. 

Connell's side might have been down, but they certainly weren't out and chances came and went in the remaining half hour. 

Marcus Daws saw an effort fired over, while Dan Adu-Adjei went even closer with his shot hitting the crossbar. 

Captain Owen Bevan then went close after heading over from a corner, before Michael Dacosta Gonzalez forced the 'keeper into a low save late on. 

After the game, Connell shared his thoughts with afcb.co.uk and talked through the ups and downs his side encountered.  

"We spoke all week about what the game might look like and it was exactly what we had planned for," he began.

"It was a very difficult pitch against a Newport side who are always very competitive.

"We started the game really well and I was delighted with our intensity and desire to win the ball. Our quality was good at times considering the difficulty of the pitch.

"We got the start we wanted and had our chances to go two goals up. We didn't take them and that can always cost you later on.

"I think we then lost our way and Newport gained the initiative - it was difficult whilst we were trying to play.

"They then took the lead and went 3-1 up, so I was interested to see our response."

Despite the defeat, Connell went on to discuss the positives that can be taken from the game, with some big fixtures to come in the next few weeks. 

"I thought the players responded really well to being behind and we had a bit of extra urgency.

"We created a number of chances which, on another day if we'd got that second goal, we would've had the opportunity to find an equaliser.

"It was a tough one to take, but it's a feeling no-one enjoys. From my perspective, I saw a group of players that were very disappointed to lose the game.

"As always with this group, I saw every single one of them giving everything and not giving up. On another day, I think it might've been a different outcome.

"Ultimately, these setbacks are part and parcel of football. We'll be back to work on Monday and getting some training in ahead of Swindon next week."