Clinical edge to come for Connell’s under-18s

The Cherries youngsters saw off the Grecians at Canford Park Arena in their first game of the season, with Michael Dacosta Gonzalez and Daniel Adu-Adjei on target.

Despite the convincing scoreline, a good performance from Exeter’s Andrew Sowden between the sticks kept the home side from pulling further away.

Connell told afcb.co.uk after the game: “I thought the front guys looked dangerous. Baylin Johnson was a threat, as were Michael and Daniel.

“As an ex-forward myself, you want to score as early as possible in the season, so I’m pleased for both of them.

“All of the front guys looked threatening, and we did create a lot of chances but that clinical edge still needs to come and I believe it will come.

“As I always say to the boys, the top forwards are the ones that are always the most well paid because sticking the ball in the back of the net is the hardest thing to do.

“There were lots of encouraging signs but also lots of things that we need to work and improve on.”

Midway through the second half, with the score at 1-0, a strong Ollie Camis save prevented the under-18s from ruing missed chances, which Connell also highlighted.

“It pleased me that we kept the clean sheet but, at 1-0, Ollie Camis had to make a big save from a poor decision by us that enabled Exeter to have that chance,” he said.

“That’s something that we need to look at.”

The home three points tees up an away trip to Portsmouth next weekend (11am kick-off), which will provide the Cherries with another stern test.

Connell commented: “Portsmouth away is always a tough one and we’ve always had very competitive games against them.

“We’ll need to put plenty of work in on the training ground next week and prepare for that.

“It’s an exciting start to the season and many, many challenges lie ahead but I’ve got no doubt with the character of these boys and their quality that we’ll embrace them and do as well as we can to overcome them.”