Manager James Lowy hailed the maturity of his Cherries under-18s squad as they recovered from an early setback to overcome Millwall in the Professional Development League.

An own goal after just five minutes saw the visitors fall behind at the Calmont Road training facility.

But the Cherries responded 13 minutes later, Ryan Carroll’s well-directed corner found the head of Harry Redknapp, who turned home at the back post.

Jonny Day was then alert to slot home 10 minutes into the second half.

The forward, who is an under-16 but has been representing Lowy’s side, pounced on a loose ball after a free-kick was headed down inside the area.

Assessing the game with afcb.co.uk, Lowy said: “I think it was a really good response from the boys after the early setback.

“They recognised the conditions really well, recognised when they could take a risk on the ball and actually find a couple of passes.

“But also, I think they recognised the moments where it needed less risk of a decision. From that point of view, with a young side, I was really happy that they were mature in their performance.

“We sometimes talk about young players being quite naïve at times but actually, the lads who stepped up and some of the first years showed a real maturity about their performance.”

Match-winner Day capped a memorable week with his strike against the Lions.

He added to his goal against Tottenham in the FA Youth Cup last Tuesday, as well as making his first appearance for Alan Connell’s development squad at Folland Sports a day later.

“Jonny’s had a great week,” added Lowy.

“Being able to be part of our FA Youth Cup squad, which he has done three times, also to be able to score in the Youth Cup and have an opportunity with the 21s, it’s been great exposure for him.

“He definitely has the knack of finding a goal, that’s for sure. He is another one who worked incredibly hard and earned a good goal as well.”

Victory put the Cherries fifth in the southern section of the division, with 21 points accumulated from 14 games.

AFC Bournemouth: McKenna, Redknapp (Trialist, 75), Merritt, Ogiunlenye (Dacosta Gonzalez, 46), William (Stevens, 66), Williams, Whitehead (Chubinidze, 86), Carroll, Kasukumya, Day, Sills. Unused sub: McGhan