AFC Bournemouth
Alan Connell believed there is plenty of work to be done following defeat for his under-18s side against MK Dons.
On Wednesday the Cherries travelled to Buckinghamshire for a rearranged EFL Youth Alliance Cup tie and bowed out of the competition following a 3-2 defeat.
A first-half goal from Tommy Blennerhassett was added to in the second half by Charlie Waller and Albert Wood strikes before Bournemouth struck back.
Michael Dacosta Gonzalez gave his side hope with a quickfire brace late on, but it was to no avail, meaning the under-18s exited in the second round of the competition.
Connell told afcb.co.uk after the game: “We know that we can score goals, even with the players that we’ve got out. Hopefully, we can take that momentum over the last five or ten minutes into our next game.
“Even though we had a chance to go 3-3 with the last kick of the game, it was too little too late looking back. That’s also what the boys said at the end.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do. I knew that already and we need to make sure that we put that work in on the training ground.
“We’ve got a quick turnaround for our next game, so it’s an opportunity to try and perform better and show what this group is about.”
That quick turnaround sees the Cherries host Cheltenham Town at Canford Park Arena on Saturday (11am kick-off).
The visit of the Robins offers a chance to return to winning ways for the under-18s following three consecutive defeats.
For Connell, the task ahead involved his squad learning from the ups and downs they have experienced so far this campaign.
“Attention turns to Saturday quite quickly and, individually, the players have got to find something from within. It’s my job to make sure that comes out on a matchday,” he said.
“Part of their development is winning and losing games, performing and having disappointing performances, so this is part of their learning.
“But like anybody, you want to be on the end of a positive performance and a positive result rather than the negative ones.
“It’s important the players understand this is part of the journey and I’m looking forward to our response on Saturday.”
The Cherries currently occupy second place EFL Youth Alliance South West division after four league matches.
With eyes on a return to the summit of the table, the under-18s coach feels there is better to come from his side.
Connell explained: “They’ve started okay, Cheltenham. We had two draws against them last year and we’re in no position to be not right.
“We have to be on it in every single aspect on Saturday and try and get back to playing how I know we can."
