AFC Bournemouth
Under-18s boss James Lowy was delighted with his players’ in-game reactions after the Cherries sealed a dramatic 4-3 home victory over Millwall in the Professional Development League.
The hosts found themselves two goals down after just 10 minutes against the Lions at Canford Park Arena. Goals from Jack Howland and Abdulahi Abdulazeez put the visitors in the driving seat.
Undeterred however, three goals in 12 minutes coming from Ryan Carroll, Remy Rees-Dottin and Kash Kasukumya put Lowy’s side ahead.
They looked to have seen out the game at 3-2 in the second period before a dramatic finale.
Charlie Osborne was sent off for a second bookable offence for the Cherries, with Millwall equalising via a deflected free-kick moments later.
But Lowy’s side were not done there, substitutes Joe and Dane combining for the latter to score the winner late on.
Assessing the contest as a whole, Lowy told afcb.co.uk: “It was a tough start, obviously, going 2-0 down early on in the game but I think what was pleasing to see from the lads was their reaction to that.
“They continued to be brave in continuing to get on the ball and play in the way we encourage them to play.
“I think they demonstrated some really good moments in possession and made some really good decisions to play forwards, break lines and create some really good chances on the back of it.
“The way they found their way back into the game was really pleasing, especially after the early setback.”
He added: “It was a learning curve for us at 3-2. We’ve talked a lot recently about being ruthless in that moment. We probably should have taken the chances that we did have in the second half, to not put ourselves in that position.
“To go to 3-3 we were obviously very disappointed, however the lads from the younger age groups made a really good impact. It was a great moment for them and for the academy as well.”
Victory put the Cherries fifth in the league table, with 33 points from 24 games, leapfrogging Millwall in the process.
Lowy’s side are next in action against Coventry City at Canford Park Arena on Saturday (11am).
AFC Bournemouth: Allan, Holman (Dane, 78), Parkes (Gregory, 56), Ogunleye, William, Williams, Carroll, Osborne, Kasukumya, Stevens (Joe, 84), Rees-Dottin (Whitehead, h-t).
Unused sub: Crisp (g/k).
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