Connell gives credit to analyst Andy

The Cherries kicked off 2024 with back-to-back victories over Bristol City and Cardiff City which took them to the top of the Professional Development League.

Dan Adu-Adjei netted the only goal against the Robins, the striker fastening on to Jack Wadham’s precise free-kick in the second half.

Adu-Adjei’s penalty, coupled with Ben Winterburn’s double, earned the Cherries a 3-0 win over the Bluebirds, all three goals stemming from corners.

As part of his remit, analyst Hardiman, who has a Masters in sports performance analysis, is responsible for the development squad’s set-pieces.

Praising his work, Connell told afcb.co.uk: “One of Andy’s big focuses is our attacking set-pieces and the four goals we scored last week came from them, either directly or from a second phase.

“He deserves huge credit for his research and having an eye to identify which areas we look to attack on those set-pieces.

“It’s such a big part of the modern game and it’s so important our players understand that when they go into first-team football.

“Our players are benefitting from Andy’s hard work and his quality of work. They are listening and applying the instructions given to them in training and long may it continue.

“In years gone by, there was maybe more of a ‘just put it in the box and see what happens’ approach to set-pieces. I played in teams where there was a plan and some where there wasn’t.

“It’s very strategic nowadays, whether it’s short corners, free-kicks or looking to hit certain areas. With analysis as it is today on the television, it’s there for all to see just how much of a massive part of the modern game it is.”

Connell will be hoping for more set-piece success when the Cherries meet Folland Sports in the quarter-final of the Servio Hampshire Men’s Senior Cup on Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).

Ben Greenwood’s hat-trick, which included two penalties, spearheaded the Cherries to a 5-0 win over the Planemakers in the second round of the competition last season.

The Cherries also saw off Tadley Calleva, on penalties, Portsmouth, thanks to a David Brooks hat-trick, and Eastleigh before losing 1-0 to Basingstoke Town in the final at Fratton Park.

Follands, who are currently mid-table in Division One of the Wessex League, set up a date with the Cherries after winning a penalty shootout against a youthful Portsmouth team in the third round.

Connell said: “Follands had an excellent result in the previous round and we will pay them the utmost respect. We need to be professional and make sure we go there and perform.”

Supporters can pay at the turnstiles at Follands’ Arrow Arena (SO31 4JU). Cost of entry is £6 for adults and £3 for concessions and they accept cash and card payments.