MATCH REPORT: Wimborne Town 3-1 AFC Bournemouth U18s

Wimborne’s final pre-season game was just what the Manager ordered. And it was entertaining fare for the sun-baked spectators too. The four goals, two in each half, wouldn’t be out of place in a goal-of-the-season competition as the Magpies overcame their talented young opponents.

As you’d expect, Bournemouth’s lads were well-skilled and well-drilled, but not over-awed by the older and bigger Southern League team. They played the ball out from the back, kept possession when necessary, collectively attacked at pace, and were very competitive.

After Josh Carmichael had fired narrowly wide from Lewis Williams’ cut-back from the right – let’s call that one a ‘sighter’, and Cam Sullivan had shot inches wide of the far post as he combined with Josh McQuoid down the left, the hosts took the lead on the half-hour mark. Charlie Wooding rose highest to knock the ball into Williams’ path just inside the penalty area on the right, from where the young striker showed superb composure and technique to volley the ball over the ‘keeper into the far corner. The Magpies doubled their lead just before the interval when that man Williams cut the ball back from the right by-line for Carmichael, and this time the midfield maestro did find the net as he stroked home from near the penalty spot.

After the break, Wimborne resumed control. On 46 minutes Joe Smith tenaciously forced his way to the right by-line, his cross was half-cleared to Carmichael to the right of the “D”. There was only thought on his mind as his sweet volley absolutely flew into the net giving the keeper no chance. Look out for the video play-back of this one, it was some strike! The hosts did get the ball in the net again when Harvey Wright had the final touch after Will Fletcher had flicked on Max Bustamante’s cross, but the eagle-eyed official spotted a foul on the keeper.

The Cherries pulled one back on 55 minutes, and it was another cracker. Akaunna picked up the ball wide on the left, drifted inside, waiting for space to appear before drilling the ball beyond Ben Rodwell from inside the “D”. There was more goalmouth action to keep the spectators entertained: Bustamante pinched the ball near the half-way line before racing forwards to cross for Fletcher whose goal-bound header was well saved; and Seuny’s clever feet made room for a delightfully-weighted through ball for Smith who fired into the side-netting. On 80 minutes Spence agriculturally scythed down Fin Toghill for a second ‘yellow’ and first dibs of the shower gel.

So Tim’s team completed their pre-season schedule with another good-looking victory. There were excellent performances across the pitch, which is going to make the Manager’s decisions on his starting XI at Frome next Saturday very difficult. But what a great problem to have.

Your reporter’s star man? Our groundsman – given the recent weather, the pitch looked in tip-top condition, and he should be congratulated on a job well done!

Team: Rodwell, Wright, Roberts, Edmondson, Bustamante, Sullivan, Wooding, McQuoid, Carmichael, Williams, Fletcher

Used Subs: Munn, Roundell-Prince, Seuny, Smith, Toghill, Walker

Match Stats: