We went into our first-ever Under-18 Premier League clash with the Cherries after taking only a point from our previous two matches and although we made heavy weather of it at times, we were worthy winners in the end as Oliver Boast’s brace – his second one coming from the penalty spot – was added to by substitute Armend Muslika, with Bournemouth’s Leyland Waite capitalising on an uncharacteristic error from captain Tyler Tingey to score a late consolation for the hosts.

We could have won by more in reality, but a series of blocks from the league newcomers frustrated us at times.

We were quickly into the lead at the Cherries’ new training centre, Ollie Salter’s cross from the right converted at the near post by Boast just seven minutes in. We were getting a lot of joy in the wide areas and after the same two players almost combined again a few minutes later, Boast sent a free header from Joel Vidal-Philbert’s corner straight at goalkeeper Zach Melin.

Joe Spence drilled just wide for Bournemouth while goalkeeper Mikel Jack did well to claim a handful of high deliveries in our six-yard box with numerous bodies around him before a big chance for us fell by the wayside just beyond the half-hour mark as Conall Glancy’s shot was blocked in the box by defender Aidan Guanchez, our appeals for handball waved away by the referee. Melin pushed the resulting corner onto the post and away before two outstanding low saves from his opposite number Jack within minutes of each other to deny Waite and Spence preserved our lead, Jeffery Aibangbee subsequently sending an effort just wide in the last action of the first period.

We made a good start to the second half and after Boast’s shot was miraculously cleared off the line by Guanchez, our goalscorer doubled his lead from the penalty spot on 54 minutes after being impeded by Zach Sutton. Salter squandered a couple of chances, just missing the bottom corner after a tremendous individual drive from Boast and then nodding Cameron Thomas’ cross wide of the near post, but on 72 minutes we finally killed the game off when Vidal-Philbert’s low drive in from the left was knocked down by a defender and Muslika swept home the loose ball from the edge of the box.

Bournemouth were gifted a goal back 14 minutes from time after a tough moment for Tingey, our usually dependable centre-half clearly furious with himself after Waite picked his pocket in our box and fired home from close range, but we steadied the ship and almost hit straight back, Phoenix Offiah’s shot blocked in the goalmouth before a long-range strike from the excellent George Jobling forced Melin into a flying save. Cayon Hanson made a vital covering block at the other end to thwart Bournemouth substitute Miles Gordon moments later, but the points never truly looked in jeopardy.

‘A bit of a mixed one’

“First of all, it was pleasing to get back to winning ways,” reflected Under-18s Coach Jamie Carr on the south coast. “From a general performance point of view it was a bit of a mixed one. We started slowly in the game but our second-half performance was a lot stronge, and there were moments throughout the game where I was really pleased. It definitely wasn’t a complete performance but there was enough within the game to take away and be pleased about.

“Defensively in general I thought we were better today, we defended set-plays well and as a team we nullified the amount of chances they had, particularly in the second half. We just need to make sure we eliminate the individual errors in decision-making at times and that will help us moving forward. We’re really pleased to get back to winning ways, though. When I reflect on the last few games, we’ve been very unlucky at times, so it’s good for the lads and it sets us up nicely for a trip to Newcastle in the cup next week.”

Line-up

Spurs: Jack, Thomas, Jobling, Hanson, Tingey (c), Senyah, Salter (Offiah 68), Glancy, Boast (Philogene-Bidace 87), Coffi Smith (Muslika 57), Vidal-Philbert (Sandiford 87). Substitutes (not used): Doran, Agyekum, Olajide.