The Bournemouth U21’s bested top of the table Reading today at the Bournemouth Performance Centre to secure second place and a spot in the next round.
The match was decided by an Eugene Nyarko brace, netting two against the unbeaten group leaders.
Reading were put to 10 men in the second half as well after a cynical challenge saw Andre Garcia go for an early shower.
This fixture started slow, with both sides sharing the ball and only a few chances from Bournemouth even coming close to bothering the opposition.
A cynical challenge gave the Cherries their best chance with a free-kick fizzed at the Reading goal.
The shot was too high and didn’t give the keeper any trouble, both teams were sharing possession, but it was the Bournemouth attack that looked the most promising from early.
The Royal’s defence started to tire and pressure was mounting on the back line.
Against the run of play, Reading’s attacking midfielder stole the ball off a lazy ball from the Bournemouth back line and nearly finished a powerful strike.
Reading were on top and throwing chances at Kai Crampton but the keeper dealt with all the chances brilliantly.
Both teams had their fair share of chances and go into the changings room looking to grab some vital points in the group.
The second half saw all the goal scoring action, with the two Nyarko goals proving to be too much for Reading to overcome with 10 men.
AFC Bournemouth were also put down to 10 players after Ameer Ali was awarded his second yellow for a harsh challenge in the 69th minute.
Nyarko nearly got his third after dinking the keeper when he was through on goal, unfortunately Reading’s defence was able to scramble back and deny the Striker his hattrick.
The referee blew his full-time whistle and the Cherries claimed the points
Bournemouth were able to hold off the Royals till the final whistle, clinching a vital win in the U21 Premier League Cup knockout group stage.
This win against Reading has bounced Bournemouth back after a tough loss against Colchester U21’s last week.
Going forward the U21’s will face Sheffield United in the Premier League cup away from home.
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