Development squad 

The development squad were drawn away to Cheltenham All Stars back in November during the first round of the competition. Four young players made the trip for the game: Chris, Ronaldo, Connor and debutant Dolly.

The team conceded three early goals that were well-taken by the All Stars.

As the Cherries settled into the game, they enjoyed more possession and Ronaldo, out on the wing, was able to create chances, which just couldn’t be converted.

The second half of the game was played in a very similar fashion to the first, with the young Cherries team trying to play their usual style of attacking football.

Cheltenham were strong in attack and continue to add to their scoreline and the Cherries exited the competition. 

First team 

The first team entered the competition in the second round, where they were drawn at home to Aspire.

Aspire started the game very positively, pressing high and not letting AFC Bournemouth out of their half.

Their pressing led to a throw-in deep, which was played down the line to the striker, who sent the ‘keeper the wrong way and the ball rolled into the goal at the near post.

AFC Bournemouth worked hard to get back into the game after conceding early and started to play a nice passing game, having some possession in the opposition half, being rewarding with a free kick on the edge of the box.

A good effort from Regan Kemp was cleared and Aspire broke up the other end with a nice spell of passing through the pitch. Nothing came from it however, and the half-time whistle was blown.

With AFC Bournemouth being in the game they pushed hard at the start of the second half for an equaliser and Matthew Adams made a couple of crucial saves off the line.

Soon after Aspire broke through the pitch with some fantastic passing to find Jon Bolding at an unmarked back post for a nice finish, which saw the away side double their lead.

AFC Bournemouth continued to work the visitors and pressed high up the pitch to win a corner in the last five minutes. It was taken and went straight to Apsire, who then counter-attacked at speed.

With the Cherries out of position and the goalkeeper facing three attackers, Aspire scored their last goal of the game to make it 3-0.