AFC Bournemouth Under-21’s cruised to a 4-1 win over Charlton Athletic Under-21’s in the Professional Development League yesterday afternoon.
Goals from Dominic Sadi, Michael Dacosta Gonzalez, Owen Bevan and Ethan Sills in the first half were enough for the hosts to pick up three points at the Cherries’ Performance Centre in a top of the table clash.
Alan Connell’s side got off to a fast start, with Sadi netting the opener with just 65 seconds played, converting into an empty net from six yards after unselfish work from Charlie Stevens.
Harold William headed over a good chance from a corner minutes later, but it wasn’t long until Bournemouth struck again.
Dacosta Gonzalez stole the ball off teammate Remy Rees-Dottin in the area, cutting in on his left foot and coolly slotting into the bottom right hand corner to give the Cherries a 2-0 advantage after 13 minutes.
The pulsating start to the match continued, with the visitors pulling one back through Ruben Reid on 18 minutes.
It was a stunning curling finish from Reid, wrapping the ball into the top left corner from just inside the area, leaving ‘keeper Kai Crampton hapless.
The Addicks almost levelled five minutes later after a lung-busting run from centre back Joshua Laqeretabua, but after indecision from Bevan and Crampton he could only find the side netting.
AFCB’s two goal lead was soon restored, with Bevan sliding in to convert from close range after a lovely team move to make it 3-1.
Bevan won the ball back inside his own half, fed the ball to Sadi, who found Dacosta Gonzalez on the overlap, and his low cross was perfect for Bevan to score.
Another team move led to a fourth before half time, with Ethan Sills slotting in at the back post after a free-flowing passage from back to front.
The second half was more of an even affair, with Charlton having two goals disallowed for offside within the first 10 minutes.
Crampton was also forced into a terrific save, palming an effort over the bar from Alan Mwamba which looked destined for the top corner.
Charlton keeper George Hardy also made multiple saves in the half, denying efforts from Dacosta Gonzalez and Rees-Dottin, who also whistled one past the post in the dying moments.
AFCB U-21’s now sit top of the PDL Southern section, four points clear of second placed Brentford, who have two games in hand on the Cherries.
The win has also put Bournemouth four points clear of Charlton, who sit in third having played a game more than the victors.
Next up for Connell’s side is a trip to Colchester on Friday, who sit bottom of the league.
By Greg Masding
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