AFC Bournemouth development coach Alan Connell reacts to Charlton win
CHERRIES development head coach Alan Connell was left “very pleased” with his side after they eased to a 4-0 win away at Charlton Athletic to start their Premier League Cup campaign, but stated there were still things for his charges to improve on.
Balraj Landa and Daniel Adu-Adjei both scored in each half to see Cherries start their group in emphatic fashion at Dartford’s Princes Park stadium.
It means Cherries top their pool of group C, after Norwich City were held to a 2-2 draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Speaking after the game, Connell told afcbtv: “Very pleased. I thought we started the game well.
“On the bench, we had a nice feel of how we started the game, thought we moved the ball well.
“I thought we created early chances and took the game to Charlton, which was obviously the plan before.
“Delighted with the two first-half goals.
“I mean, they were both clinical and ruthless in their own way.
“Some lovely combination stuff, the second goal between Daniel and Balraj.
“Then the first goal from Daniel was just individual quality that we know he’s got in front of goal with a sublime finish.
“Delighted to be two goals up (at the break).”
But despite the comfortable lead, Connell still felt tweaks were needed at the break.
“We had a few issues towards the end of the first half that we had to try and sort at half time, which I think we did second half,” restarted the former Cherries striker.
“Charlton came out second half and there was a reaction from them as the home side 2-0 down.
“And I thought it was important at that stage that we took the sting out of the game.
“I thought the players did that in different ways.
“Scored a killer third goal, which is pleasing.
“A lovely header from Michael (Dacosta Gonzalez), which he is capable of – he’s a powerful, tall boy and when the ball goes up to him, he’s capable of winning those headers.
“I think Daniel it was that put Balraj in front of goal again, and Balraj is one of those that’s very composed in front of goal and he showed that again with that third goal.
“Then, to seal it with a fourth was really pleasing, with Daniel just coming back.
“He’s missed the last four games and he’s a huge player for us.
“Have said that before. Big talent with a big future ahead of him.
“So to get him back in the team and doing what he does best, not only give him a lift, it gave other players a lift as well.”
However, Connell believes that there is more to come from his charges, stating that there was plenty room for improvement.
He continued: “There are still things in there that I think we can do a lot better.
“An exciting thing for me is when we, we went three games without winning we felt there was loads of good signs in there and the potential in this group is huge.
“Individuals in there with big potential and we’ve now starting to back it up with performances. But we’re going to have to face Charlton in the league next week and have to back it up again.”
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