Ajani Burchall and his Bournemouth Under 18 teammates roared back into form on Tuesday with a dominant second-half showing in a 3-1 win away to Swindon Town.
Looking to recover after two successive defeats, Matt Burgess hit the post for the injury-hit squad while goalkeeper Josh Clarke was forced into a good save at the other end, though the teams went in goalless at the break.
The deadlock was soon broken after the restart, however, Burgess the Cherries scorer with a low right-footed strike into the bottom corner following Burchall's pass through.
It was soon two for the visitors when Jake Adams' corner was headed down by Ferdinand Okoh for Marcus Daws to divert into the back of the Swindon net.
A third then came on the hour mark when Jack Wadham broke up play in midfield, carried the ball forward, and released for Daws who coolly finished when one on one with the 'keeper.
Bournemouth created more chances before the end but conceded when Swindon headed home at the back post from a corner, the Bournemouth side fielding four-under-16s by the conclusion of the match.
Speaking after the final whistle, manager Alan Connell spoke further on winger Burchall.
"Ajani got another 90 minutes today," said the manager. "He went back to Bermuda over Christmas and has been straight back into games with us, playing 45 minutes in the first game and now three 90-minute matches in a row.
"He's had to find his fitness and match sharpness through the games, and today was probably as lively and energetic as he's been. When he's at his best he's aggressive off the ball with his pressing and his actions and he's always a threat going forwards with the quality and composure he has.
"He still has a long way to go, but his assist today will give him a big boost as he looks to continue to develop in all aspects of his game.
"A lot has happened to him in a short space of time so it's been good for him to get back playing and get back to working on the things he needs to improve at - while also showing what he's already good at."
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