Jake Cope, Brennan Camp and Luke Pardoe all on target in Merit League One win.

Goals from Jake Cope (2), Brennan Camp, and Luke Pardoe helped the Cherries get their second win of Merit League One.

The visitors went ahead in the first half through Jacob Bancroft, but the lead was short-lived.

Harvey Bertrand played a nice ball in between the Swindon defence for Cope who had made an excellent forward run. He lobbed the goalkeeper from a narrow angle with a spectacular finish to equalise on the stroke of half time.

In the second half, Cope hung up a free-kick for Zeno Ibsen Rossi to header. The goalkeeper saved it but Camp converted the rebound.

The third Bournemouth goal came from a lovely combination around the box between Connor Kurran-Brown and Pardoe. Pardoe’s cross was then turned into the net by Cope for his brace.

Finally, Cope picked out Pardoe on the right wing, and he whipped a shot into the far corner for 4-1.

Talking to afcb.co.uk after the game, Under-18s manager Alan Connell had this to say on the following topics…

THE PERFORMANCE

“It was a really pleasing performance. We dominated for 90 minutes - something that all teams strive for. We passed the ball really well, created chances, and were purposeful in our attacking play.

“It was probably our best performance for a long time, and maybe we’re coming out the other side of that transitional period we’ve been having recently. The boys will be ready to kick on for the rest of this season and moving into next season.

“We could have scored more but it was pleasing to see us being clinical in the final third, which is something we haven’t always been in recent games. In the last three games, we’ve conceded the first goal but have managed to come back and stick to the way we play.

“That shows the willingness to keep going and the spirit from the boys which is pleasing. We’ll need that as we move forward.”

INDIVIDUALS

“Nathan Moriah-Welsh ran the game. He bossed the midfield and we’re seeing more and more signs of maturity from him, which is really satisfying, especially as he comes towards the end of his first-year. He’ll hopefully be one of our leaders next year.

“Connor Kurran-Browne was very good again. Off the back of the Leicester tournament on Thursday in which he showed his maturity, it was another really positive performance. We’ve spoken a lot to him about impacting games with his quality rather than just looking good.

“He gave Swindon a lot of problems. He needs to kick on and make sure this is just the start of him coming into a real good vein of form.”

NEXT UP

“We’ve got Fulham at home on Wednesday in an Under-17s friendly game. It’s an 11:30am kick-off. After that we’ve got Portsmouth Under-18s at home and AFC Wimbledon Under-18s at their stadium in the league to finish the season.”

The AFC Bournemouth Under-18s side are sponsored by Strategic Solutions.