Dean Huijsen frustrated at point at Crystal Palace

DEAN Huijsen admitted his disappointment that the Cherries could not take advantage of their extra man as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

Alan Connell on Cherries’ development squad win over Sheffield United

CHERRIES development squad boss Alan Connell was pleased with the clinical edge his side demonstrated in their 3-1 victory over Sheffield United on Tuesday.

Connell’s side hosted the Northern League leaders at the Vitality Stadium, and led 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Daniel Adu-Adjei and Koby Mottoh.

The Blades got one back early in the second half but the Cherries showed their composure to restored their two-goal advantage through Dominic Sadi.

• Match report: Cherries make it nine wins in a row in development league with win over Blades

Speaking to the Daily Echo after the game, Connell said: “Sheffield United are probably the best category two academy, I would say, in recent years, especially under 21s.

“I think they won it last year, the overall season, and they’re top of the Northern League by some distance at the moment. So really pleased to have such a tough opponent. Thought our players suffered in moments, which was great.

“Had to defend deep at times because of their quality and they gave us problems for sure. But I thought we made the game open, exciting, created a lot of chances in different ways and obviously, we were really clinical and fast when we won the ball back.”

The visitors seemed to be in the ascendancy at 0-0 and looked the more likely to break the deadlock, but it was the prolific Adu-Adjei who netted his 15th goal in 10 games to give Bournemouth the lead.

“We all know goals change games and when you’ve got someone like Daniel Adu-Adjei who’s clinical, it makes a big difference,” Connell said.

“For me, he’s an all-round number nine with his running power, the way he holds the ball up, the way he links play and obviously his finishing ability as well.

“So, it changed the game in our favour for sure and it gave us confidence to kick on, which we did. But their response, Sheffield United after half time got them back in the game. But again, I saw no panic from my team.

“I saw us take the game to the opposition again, create more chances. And Dom’s great finish was obviously the icing on the cake.”

He continued: “We want to make the game open, we want to make it exciting, we want the players to make the best decisions in the moment.

“And yeah, there was definitely a composure about us, a belief about us, especially with the run that we’re on at the moment.

“It’s really satisfying for me to see the players playing with such confidence and such commitment to be the best they can be for their own careers and obviously to be part of this team at this stage of the season.”

The win took them to nine wins on the bounce. Asked the secret behind that run, Connell said: “I think the quality of their characters and the quality of them as football players has helped and I think having a clear focus about trying to get towards the top of the league.

“And because this group, a lot of them have been together for a long time, I think they enjoy each other’s company, enjoy playing together.

“Ultimately, I’d say the thing that underpins all of it is that they want to be first team players, hopefully at our club, if not somewhere else. So I think that every time you step over the white line, you always have opportunity to show your capabilities.”