Goals from Ethan Sills and Jonny Day proved not enough as the AFC Bournemouth under-18s suffered heartbreak in a 3-2 defeat at Ipswich Town.
The Cherries looked to have sealed a point in the Professional Development League clash at the Ipswich Town Training Centre, before the hosts found a late winner to seal all three points.
Defeat left James Lowy’s side sixth in the division, having picked up 21 points from 15 league games played.
Reacting after the defeat, the manager said: “A tough one to take for the young lads. Especially with us being majority of first years and also ending up with four or five under-16s on the pitch.
“That is great for their development and another really good learning experience for them, it ties in with the Millwall game about how they can manage the game in that scenario. Especially getting back in the game at 2-2.
“Then also how they can show their responsibility to do the horrible side of the game. Being aggressive, ready to win the mess, pick up first and second balls and make first contacts from set-pieces.
“I think it was a really big learning experience for some of the lads.
“It’s great to expose them to this earlier on and hopefully this is just another game they can learn and grow from.”
After weathering an early storm from the hosts, the Cherries took the lead through Sills in the opening period.
Goalkeeper Callan McKenna then pulled off an outstanding save to keep his side ahead after Ipswich were awarded a penalty.
But back came the young Tractor Boys as they turned the game on its head with a double salvo just after the break.
Day then continued his dazzling form for the Cherries, the 15-year-old netted his third goal in as many under-18 games to level up the contest at 2-2.
It was to be heartbreak for the young Cherries however, as Ipswich snatched a winner late on to seal the spoils.
