Plain hails togetherness of development squad

Alan Connell’s side have enjoyed an impressive first half of the campaign.

They are through to the last 16 of the Premier League Cup and progressed to the semi-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup, following Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over Folland Sports.

The Cherries also sit second in the southern section of the Professional Development League ahead of their trip to face Swansea City tonight (7pm kick-off).

Assessing the season so far, Plain told afcb.co.uk: “It’s been successful for us.

“I think it’s very smart in the way to think that it’s only halfway through. We have not achieved anything yet. I think that’s the telling bit.

“This part of the season, losing a few key members of the squad, whether that be through injuries or loans - I think the lads have dug in really well and kept up those same performances we had from the start of the season.

“I definitely think as a squad, this is the tightest I have ever seen an under-21s at Bournemouth, for the years I have been here.

“I think it shows on the pitch for moments like Wednesday, whether you are grinding out results against non-league teams or you’re up against category one teams and beating them in the Premier League Cup.”

Swansea are currently fourth in the division, three points below the Cherries with 29 points accumulated from their 17 games played.

Plain featured in goal when the sides met in the reverse fixture back in November.

Daniel Adu-Adjei’s hat-trick along with a goal from Michael Dacosta Gonzalez secured victory for the hosts at New Cuthbury on that occasion.