AFCB

Under-18s

U18s score big Exiles win

Euan Pollock's first-half double set the under-18s on their way to a 5-0 win at Newport County on Saturday.

Pollock's two goal were both well-taken finishes with Marcus Daws the architect, the Cherries in command of the contest at the break.

Following the resumption, Jake Adams capitalised on a defensive mistake to fire low into the bottom corner, Matt Burgess soon adding a fourth from the edge of the box.

Aaron Roberts completed the scoring with a right-footed finish from a pass by Brandon Channell, the latter making his return after a long-term injury in a team where a number of under-16s also got the chance to step into the team and play.

As well as the five goals, the clean sheet was also the fifth in as many games this season, goalkeeper Josh Clarke still yet to concede in a league fixture.

Manager Alan Connell gave his thoughts on the performance to afcb.co.uk after the game.

"We spoke before the game about making sure our mentality was right and backing up a good performance last week against Oxford," he said.

"Two of our players, Jack Wadham and Owen Bevan, had a great opportunity to train with the first team today. We got the late shout that they were with the first team and that gave a couple of others opportunities to start the game.

"It was a difficult game and Newport gave us some problems, but I felt we were quite solid defensively with Jack Seddon leading the back line really well.

"We took our opportunities, we scored some good goals, probably could have scored a couple more but were maybe a little bit wasteful in the final third.

"It was a difficult game but one that we ended up making comfortable for ourselves by the boys applying themselves with professionalism and maturity.

"There was a real steeliness about us and everyone was delighted at the end with another clean sheet - we want to keep that defensive run going as well."

For the returning Channell it was a first appearance since the FA Youth Cup match against Millwall last season, the defender stepping into an unfamiliar role in the centre of the park and showing his qualities.

"He's an important player for us and he makes us stronger," said Connell. "We're delighted to have him back, he did really well when he came on and that's another big plus to come from today."