AFC Bournemouth Under-18s extended their impressive unbeaten league run to 16 games with an emphatic 4-1 win over Yeovil Town Under-18s on Tuesday.

Jake Cope’s opener sent Alan Connell’s side into the half-time break with the lead, before a second from Cope, as well as goals from Luke Pardoe and Christian Saydee convincingly sealed another three points.

The Cherries were forced to play the final 15 minutes with ten men due to limited substitutions, during which Yeovil scored a consolation goal.

Manager reacts 

Reflecting on the win with afcb.co.uk, Under-18s manager Alan Connell said he was delighted with what he saw.

“Yeovil made it difficult for us in the first 20 minutes, pressing high up the pitch,” he said. “We took a little while to get going, but we opened the scoring on the half-hour mark through Cope, after he was played through on goal by Connor Kurran-Browne.

“That goal settled us down and we then got more control of the game. We passed the ball well and created a lot more chances. Yeovil were still well in the game, but thankfully Cope scored his second to make it 2-0 with another calm finish one-on-one in the second half.

"He’s missed the last few weeks with a bit of an injury, so it’s good to have him back. I’m also delighted with Kunnar-Browne setting up both of Cope’s goals.

“Pardoe started his first league game for us up front and he scored, running around the goalkeeper and slotting in after being put through by Nathan Moriah-Welsh. Luke’s put a lot of work into his rehab and he’s just about there fitness-wise now.

“Saydee came on for the last half-hour and looked bright. He scored after a neat one-two with Luke Gray. We managed the game quite well, but in the last 15 minutes we only had ten men just because we ran out of substitutes on the bench, as some of our players were out on loan or with the Under-21s.

“Unfortunately, we conceded a goal in that period, but overall, I was really pleased with the attitude and the performance on and off the ball. It’s great to start the New Year in the way we ended 2018.

"Especially, with a young team, it’s great for them to get the exposure and it’s a good challenge for three or four second-years to take ownership and lead those younger boys.

“Our next game, in the FA Youth Cup at Oxford United Under-18s, will be another tough one. They’re a good side and we know each other well. It should be interesting, and we’re looking forward to it while hoping to progress into the next round of the tournament.”

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