A stirring finale failed to reap its rewards as a youthful AFC Bournemouth development squad suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Millwall in the Professional Development League on Tuesday.
Alan Connell’s team headed into the clash on the back of a 100 per cent winning start to 2004, having won two league games and two group matches in the Premier League Cup.
Jonny Stuttle, the hat-trick hero of the under-18s’ FA Youth Cup victory against Newcastle earlier this month, drew first blood for the Cherries with a close-range finish in the 13th minute.
However, the Lions roared back and forged into a 3-1 lead thanks to goals either side of half-time from Henry Hearn, Abdul Abdulmalik and Frankie Hvid.
Visiting goalkeeper Ethan Wady received a straight red card for upending Stuttle after he had gone clear late on, the Cherries reducing the deficit from the resultant free-kick.
Ben Greenwood’s fierce strike was charged down by the Millwall defensive wall, Stuttle reacting quickest to lash home the loose ball to make it 3-2 with three minutes plus injury-time remaining.
Despite laying siege to the Millwall goal in the closing stages – with substitute goalkeeper George Evans saving Jack Wadham’s 20-yarder – the hosts were unable to fashion an equaliser and surrendered top spot in the table following QPR’s 2-0 win over Cardiff.
Connell's team will be hoping to guarantee home advantage in the Premier League Cup when they host Norwich City at New Cuthbury in their final group game on Saturday (noon kick-off).
Click through the arrows above to see a gallery of pictures from the game.
