AFC Bournemouth development squad beat Millwall 3-1

Lewis Brown opened the scoring moments before half time with a composed penalty, giving Alan Connell’s side the advantage at the break.

Their lead was solidified around the hour mark, Remy Rees-Dottin with some brilliant play to open up space for Kian Tydeman to tuck home beyond Liam Roberts.

The visitors halved the deficit nine minutes later, with a long ball over the top being latched onto by Jaiden Celestine-Charles, who rode the challenge of Kinsey, proceeding to strike beyond McKenna with ease.

It took Bournemouth two minutes to restore their two-goal advantage. Lewis Brown would convert his second spot kick of the afternoon. That penalty being won by Rees-Dottin, who drew the foul following some intricate footwork.

(Image: Rob Santonna) Alan Connell made two changes to his side that earned a point in south Wales against Swansea last week. Remy Rees-Dottin and Kian Tydeman both got the nod as Johnny Stuttle and Koby Mottoh were both omitted from the squad.

The key headline from the Millwall team news was that Shaun Hutchinson would be starting at centre back. Hutchinson, who is the Lions’ club captain, has amassed over 250 Championship appearances.

Millwall got the game underway and started well, the game was visibly open, with both sides being vulnerable to a quick counterattack. Millwall’s two pacy forwards Aidomo Emakhu and Raees Bangura-Williams caused issues from the off, forcing young Scot Callan McKenna to make a double save in the preliminary minutes.

Whilst Millwall imposed themselves as a physical challenge to the young Cherries, there were strong challenges coming from both sides, Harold William timed his tackle to perfection, preventing Daniel Kelly from getting his shot away inside the box.

William’s centre back partner Max Kinsey was also kept busy, stepping up to deny Emakhu with a good block early on.

(Image: Robin Jones) Callan McKenna continued to be tested, with Adam Mayor unleashing a powerful shot towards the near post that the Scottish junior international dealt with expertly.

Daniel Kelly found himself in another shooting opportunity for Millwall, following Lewis Brown giving the ball away in midfield. Kelly sending a stinging effort just wide of the top corner.

It took Bournemouth nearly half an hour to register their first big chance of the afternoon. Ben Winterburn played Ashley Clarke in down the left flank, Clarke did well to cut inside but his tight-angled shot was pushed clear.

The tide began to turn in Bournemouth’s favour, Kian Tydeman managed to sneak in behind Harry Taylor. With Taylor hauling down Tydeman, who was through on goal, in an act of gamesmanship.

Bournemouth continued to apply pressure to the Lions’ back line, this time it was Archie Harris who sent a ball across the penalty spot, it was met by Ben Winterburn, who couldn’t steer the ball home.

Millwall kept the Cherries honest, with a chance against the run of play, Callan McKenna getting down to his left to palm away Ben Drake’s effort.

Remy Rees-Dottin crafted a good chance for himself, it was Kian Tydeman who played Rees-Dottin the ball. The winger wriggling himself away from the Millwall defender, but saw his shot kept out by Roberts.

(Image: Rob Santonna) Tydeman would also have a say in the opener. The Irishman drawing a foul in the box, committed by Kyle Smith. Referee Adam Merchant pointed to the spot and Lewis Brown stepped up.

Brown kept calm, despite Roberts going the right way, he tucked his spot kick into the bottom right corner.

Brown’s strike was one of the last kicks of the first half, with Bournemouth having the lead at the break.

The second period began and Millwall started strongly. Ben Drake fired a ball across the face of goal, but no Lion was there to meet it. Aidomo Emakhu was looking to build on an impressive first half, he broke the offside trap and was headed for McKenna’s goal, but Harold William tracked back superbly and forced Emakhu’s shot wide.

Ashley Clarke registered another shot on target in similar fashion to his own from the first half. Clarke hit the byline and got his shot away, but the angle was too tight, and it was a routine stop for Roberts.

Minutes later Clarke would have a golden opportunity to double the Cherries’ lead.

(Image: Connor Hannon) Good build up play from Bournemouth culminated in a superb ball over the top from Remy Rees-Dottin.

Clarke has timed his run to perfection and was chasing after the ball. However, Liam Roberts won the footrace and cleared his lines in a heavy 50/50 challenge that Clarke came out worse for wear from.

On the hour mark, Connell’s side would eventually find their much sought after second goal. Kian Tydeman getting on the scoresheet.

His goal created by Remy Rees-Dottin, who showed great fight to chase after what seemed to be a lost cause, stealing the ball and rolling it into the path of Tydeman, whose beautiful curling effort nestled into the far corner.

Millwall almost replied instantly, with an excellent passage of play orchestrated by Jack Howland. Howland picking out Bangura-Williams, whose magnificent turn inside the box created an opportunity for himself, however Bangura-Williams failed to take his chance.

Millwall made the first change of the game on the 64th minute, with Jaiden Celestine-Charles coming on for Adam Mayor.

Celestine-Charles wouldn’t have to wait long to find the back of the net. Just five minutes since coming on, he raced onto a long ball. Despite Max Kinsey’s best efforts, the forward continued his charge towards goal, guiding the ball into the bottom corner with McKenna being left hung out to dry by his defence.

Despite this, Bournemouth were un-moved. Restoring their two-goal advantage just minutes after conceding.

Rees-Dottin was causing Millwall issues once more, his tricky footwork winning the Cherries their second penalty of the day. Lewis Brown has another opportunity from the spot, he smashed his effort into the top right corner, leaving nothing to chance.

The game began to slow following Bournemouth’s third, with the general consensus being that a two-goal gap would be too much for the visitors to close.

Kian Tydeman was then replaced by Johnny Day with 18 minutes to play.

Millwall rallied with Emakhu being the driving force. However he saw both of his efforts saved by McKenna, who had an excellent game between the sticks.

Alfie Massey, perhaps frustrated by the afternoon’s events, entered the book for a late challenge on Archie Harris. Harris having his game ended early, being replaced by Malcom Dacosta-Gonzalez.

Lewis Brown would not get his hattrick, being taken off with nine minutes left to play, Alfie Merritt being the one to take his place.

Millwall played their final hand, bringing on Kavalli Heywood for Raees Bangura-Williams.

With a few changes made and minimal chances for either side, the game petered out, the final whistle confirming Bournemouth’s victory, seeing the Cherries up to third place in the Professional Development League’s southern group.

AFC Bournemouth: 1, C. McKenna; 2, K. Gregory; 3, A. Harris (M. Dacosta Gonzalez 76’); 4, T. Williams; 5, H. William; 6, M. Kinsey; 7, A. Clarke; 8, L. Brown (Alfie Merritt 81’); 9, Kian Tydeman (Johnny Day 72’); 10, B. Winterburn; 11, R. Rees-Dottin.

Millwall: 1, L. Roberts; 2, K. Smith; 3, B. Drake; 4, A. Massey (booked 75’); 5, S. Hutchinson; 6, H. Taylor; 7, J. Howland; 8, D. Kelly; 9, A. Emakhu; 10, R. Bangura-Williams (K. Heywood 83’); 11, A. Mayor (J. Celestine-Charles 64’).