Lowy hails response as Cherries hit U's for six

Jonny Stuttle struck twice on his return to the under-18 squad, there were also goals for Ash Clarke, Malachi Ogunleye, Kash Kasikumya and Ethan Sills as the hosts ran out 6-0 winners.

It meant the side bounced back following their 5-2 defeat against Crewe Alexandra at the same venue on Saturday.

Reflecting on the contest, Lowy told afcb.co.uk: “I think after the game we had at the weekend, where we demanded the lads to be more ruthless in both boxes, it was a really good response from them.

“The lads showed really good mentality throughout the whole game. They were aggressive, on the front foot, pressed with intent and good on the ball as well.

“They created a some really good chances and possibly could have had a few more, but it was good response.”

After a bright opening from the Cherries, they took the lead when Clarke finished neatly into the bottom corner.

Stuttle then got in on the act as he found space in the box to apply a cool finish, adding to his goal tally having netted the winner for loan club Wimborne Town against Westbury United on Saturday.

Frontman Stuttle tapped in another after good work from Alfie Merritt and Karlos Gregory. Ogunleye then capitalised to slot home before half-time, as the Cherries pressed the visitors high up the pitch.

Half-time substitute Kasukumya capped off a well-worked corner routine on the hour mark, before he then turned provider for Sills to convert a sixth for the Cherries.

Lowy’s side were reduced to 10 men with five minutes remaining as Ogunleye picked up his second caution and was sent off.

The manager added: “In each box the lads were ruthless. Created some good chances and were clinical.

“But also what was pleasing to see, even in the last minute with 10 men, they were sprinting back to get behind the ball and then putting their bodies on the line to stop the opposition from scoring. That was pleasing.”

AFC Bournemouth: Allan, Holman, Merritt, Ogunleye, William (Williams, 67), Eagle, Carroll (Whitehead, 67), Gregory, Stuttle (Sills, 32), Clarke (Kasukumya, 46), Stevens.

Unused sub: Crisp (g/k).