This Tuesday, the Young Exiles travel to Bournemouth after having their fixture against Cheltenham postponed last weekend; with Byron Anthony’s team aiming to end 2017 with a win against Alan Connell’s side.
We preview the Cherries’ last five matches, previous fixtures between the two sides and a lowdown on the backroom staff ahead of our vital fixture against Alan Connell’s Bournemouth.
Past Matches
The Young Exiles have already played Bournemouth at Twice this season, losing 3-1 in the Youth Alliance Cup last month with Owen Taylor scoring the only goal for County in the sides first encounter.
Our most recent encounter was a 2-0 loss to the Cherries at Lliswerry School, with a 77th minute goal from Jake Scrimshaw and Gavin Kilkenny’s first-half strike handing the Young Exiles their 2nd defeat of the season at home in the league.
County’s first game of 2017 was against The Cherries - which resulted in a 2-0 loss at home on January 7th.
However, the Young Exiles did register a win against the South-Coast side in the 16/17 season, with one goal enough for all three points in a narrow 1-0 win.
Backroom Staff
Alan Connell
Bournemouth are currently managed by Alan Connell, after he was given the role in July having previously worked within the academy last season.
The 34-year-old is a former professional footballer - Connell’s former sides include Bournemouth, Brentford and Bradford City after a 15-year career as a well-traveled forward.
Alan Connell achieved promotions with Bradford, Swindon and his current employers, Bournemouth. During his spell at Bradford, he was a part of the side which made it to the League Cup final and gained promotion from League Two in 2013 after winning the play-off final.
Joe Roach
Joe Roach is Bournemouth’s Head of Academy, with his association with the club spanning over 13 years. Roach has held many roles over the years, with the former head of youth also performing as caretaker for the first-team on two separate occasions.
Steve Manning
Steve Manning is the Lead Academy Goalkeeping Coach, who joined the club in 2015, after being at Portsmouth as Head of Academy Goalkeeping.
Last Five Fixtures
The Cherries currently sit 2nd in the league table, but were pacesetters at the beginning of the season before postponements allowed Exeter City to climb into 1st.
Bournemouth have lost two games from their last five, with a narrow 3-2 defeat condemning them to their second league defeat of the season and a loss in the Youth Alliance cup to Exeter ruining any chances of regaining the trophy they won last season.
Emphatic wins against Hull, Forest Green Rovers and Oxford mean that Alan Connell’s cherries head into the clash unbeaten in three matches.
Match Details
The match will take place at Canford Park Training Ground, Magna Road, Wimborne, BH21 3AP – with the fixture set to kick-off at 12:00. (Midday)
Follow Along
You can follow match updates on the official academy Twitter @Youth_County, which will keep you updated with live updates from Bournemouth as the Young Exiles look to pick-up their first win over the south-coast side this season.
Good Luck, Boys!