AFC Bournemouth Under-21’s recorded an important win over Charlton Athletic Under-21’s in the Professional Development League yesterday afternoon.
The match, which took place at Bournemouth’s Performance Centre, was a top of the table clash, with the sides separated by just a point going into the fixture.
But first half goals from Dominic Sadi, Michael Dacosta Gonzalez, Owen Bevan and Ethan Sills were enough to come away with a 4-1 win.
That victory saw the young Cherries go four points clear of the Addicks, as well as having a game in hand.
Alan Connell’s side were delighted with the victory, having not played for a league game for two months.
Sills, who rounded off the scoring in the first 45, said: “The win was a very important one for us.
“A good win back in the league against a team who will be challenging us come the end of the season, near the top of the table, was extremely important”.
Bevan was thrilled with continuing the side’s good form despite the lengthly wait for a game, saying: “We were on a good unbeaten run, so we wanted to continue that.
“Not only was it good to get the win but also to put on such a dominant performance.”
Remy Rees-Dottin, who grabbed an assist, was also happy with the win: “I think both attacking and defensively we made it an uncomfortable game for Charlton, and really dominated for large periods of the game.”
“So I’m glad the team is gelling well and we’re putting in some really good performances and coming away with good results in the last few games.”
Bevan scored his first goal since a long injury layoff, having missed the whole of last season and a chunk of this campaign. His marauding run from centre back is something he took from previous years.
He said: “It’s something I used to do a lot in my academy days, stepping out from the back and continuing my run forward, so I took the opportunity to do so”.
Sills, 17 and a midfielder by trade, was filling in at left back for the afternoon, and described his goal as a ‘confidence boost’ after a ‘small injury’.
He said: “I was very pleased to get another goal for the U-21s.
“I had to do a job at left-back today which isn’t my normal position, but I still showed my attacking mindset to get forward and was rewarded with a goal.”
Rees-Dottin came close on numerous occasions, but was unable to find a goal. However, he was ‘pleased’ with his performance, saying: “No matter if I got a goal or assist, I’m just happy the whole team performed well and came out with a positive result against a tough opponent”.
The 19 year old winger has endured a frustrating season due to injury, but was able to make his third first team appearance for Bournemouth on the weekend, coming on in extra time in the FA Cup defeat to Newcastle.
For Rees-Dottin, going between being in and around the first team and the development squad is a good thing.
He said: “I think I’m applying what I’m learning through training into development squad matches and training really well”.
Rees-Dottin’s appearance at St James’ Park was his second, having made his Premier League debut there last season.
He said: “It was another really good experience playing at SJP in front of such a big and loud crowd.
“I think it’s something I’ve needed in my career to show the levels that I want to get to and what the pressure will feel like when I reach that level.”
For Rees-Dottin, his aims for the rest of the season mainly revolve around staying fit.
He said: “My goals for the rest of the season is really just to stay fit and keep playing with confidence and freedom, whether that’s playing with the development squad, coming off the bench for the first team – I just want to bring a positive impact whenever I am on the pitch.”
As for Sills, he is grateful for the trust shown in him by Connell, allowing him to build confidence.
He also has aspirations for the rest of the season, saying: “My goals for the rest of the season are to keep consistent, week in week out, as well as win the U-21s league.
“I also want to keep my standards high on and off the pitch to end the season as best I can, and set myself up for an even better season next year.”
Bevan hopes to continue building his form up after such a long absence, saying: “It’s been nice to get a good run of games and find some consistency after a tough period, it’s never perfect when returning after so long out, but I’m taking the positives and moving forward”.
All three will be hoping to be involved when they travel to bottom of the league Colchester United on Friday.
By Greg Masding
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