Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Smith frustrated but not looking elsewhere
HOT striking prospect Lewis Smith admits seeking pastures new would be a last resort as he waits patiently for an end to Cherries transfer embargo.
The 19-year-old showed glimpses of his rich potential when he plundered a clinical 22-minute hat-trick during Cherries 7-0 win over hapless Football Combination rivals Salisbury yesterday.
Smith, released by Fulham last season, has already been offered terms by Cherries boss Eddie Howe and is ready to complete the signing formalities once the clubs transfer embargo has been relaxed.
But despite spending the past two months at Dean Court, Smith admits the delay in being able to become a permanent member of Howes squad is becoming very frustrating.
And the teenager, who made a big decision to commit himself to Cherries under the current circumstances, has more reason than most to hope the embargo will soon be lifted.
Asked by the Daily Echo whether he had considered looking elsewhere, Smith replied: I suppose youve always got to keep your options open but that would be a last resort for me.
Ive got to know everyone and I really enjoy it here.
Its just been very frustrating for me because I cant play games.
Smith, who missed a couple of weeks during pre-season, added: I didnt disappear somewhere else. I had an illness and think it may have been swine flu. Im fine now and fully recovered.
It was pleasing to score the hat-trick. Ive just got to keep working hard and show what I can do.
Smith and Alan Connell both looked sharp as Cherries put to the sword a woeful Salisbury side.
The pair combined for Connell to open the scoring in the ninth minute before trialist Ryan Crowther added a second midway through the first half.
Smith then took centre stage by netting three finely-taken goals before Poole Town striker Charlie Austin came off the bench to complete the rout with a late double.
Midfielder Marvin Bartley also caught the eye after coming through his first 90-minute run-out since April.
Cherries: Blackmore, Webb, Hester (Austin, 52), Partington (Magookin, 65), Oldring, Bartley, Costa, McQuoid, Smith, Connell, Crowther. Unused subs: Hill, Burbidge, Thomas (g/k).
Joe Roach hailed Cherries 5-2 win at Plymouth in the Youth Alliance on Saturday as an excellent tactical performance.
Goals from Matt Kemble, Luke Burbidge and Murrey Holmes, coupled with a double from Tom Green, saw Roachs charges romp to victory in Devon.
