The under-18s impressed as they put four past West Bromwich Albion in a friendly on Tuesday as they won 4-1 away at the category one side.
Both sides fielded young line ups, the Cherries naming just first-year scholars as starters, for the fixture at the Baggies’ training ground, with defender Max Kinsey-Wellings heading home from a corner after just five minutes.
Controlling large spells of the first half but not making big chances despite good moments, Bournemouth scored a second after the hour when Daniel Adu-Adjei finished off a loose ball in the box.
After a triple substitution introduced three second-year scholars to the Cherries team, Owen Palmer finished off a good team move following an impressive Archie Harris cross.
The away side made further chances and Noa Boutin then picked out Lewis Brown on the edge of the box who found the top corner with ten minutes to play, ahead of West Brom netted a consolation.
After the game manager Alan Connell spoke to afcb.co.uk about the afternoon’s good work.
“We’re always trying to source additional fixtures and we managed to get home and away games with West Brom, this away game coming first,” he said.
“It was a good game to play against opposition we don’t normally compete against and it was good to get some of the players who need to get minutes a chance, those who are fighting to get into the team.
“The boys delivered a performance that we want to see on a more consistent basis, both in and out of possession.
“Our intensity without the ball was of a very high level and we created chance while limiting West Brom to very few; it was well worth the trip.
“The slight disappointment was with conceding late on, that was a reminder for the players to keep our standards nice and high all the way through – though it doesn’t take the gloss off what was a very accomplished performance.”
Connell also spoke about defender Harris, who turned in another assured performance as he led the youthful side.
“Archie was captain at left-back and he’s someone who’s been here since the under-11s, he produced an excellent performance full of energy and quality on the ball.
“He showed real determination to make the game physical for his opponents. He’s come in and applied himself really well and I’m excited to see him kick on from here.”
