Cherries: Stockley stars for Roach's boys

HOT prospect Jayden Stockley enhanced his reputation with a double for Cherries' youth team but Joe Roach's men failed to claim victory after a 3-3 draw at Oxford United. The schoolboy striker, who hit the headlines when he was handed a five-year contract by Cherries last year, struck in the opening minute as the Dean Court outfit began the Puma Youth Alliance clash well. He then turned provider as Harry Bell increased the advantage on six minutes, before bagging his second with 13 minutes remaining. But the Poole-born frontman had to make do with a point as Oxford equalised late on. Stockley was one of a number of youngsters required to step up to the under-18s in Saturday's physical encounter. Cherries' head of youth Roach told the Echo: In some respects, it was a good opportunity for the schoolboys. Firstly, just to be involved and, secondly, for them to be exposed to the type of game they probably haven't been used to playing. Roach, who was critical of Oxford's tactics, added: It was great for the schoolboys to see what type of games they might come up against if they come into the programme next season. We kept our cool and discipline well and had a fantastic start. But I thought when we scored the second we probably thought the game was over and allowed Oxford to dictate a bit of the game. But our performance under the circumstances was good. Cherries: Murphy, MacFarlane (Strugnell, 73), Stephenson, Oldring, Annetts, Green, Hill, Magookin, Zoki (Makoni, 78), Bell (Parsons, 65), Stockley.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo