Bournemouth’s development squad secured a spot in the playoff final after a thrilling encounter against Burnley at the Vitality Stadium. The Cherries, who initially fell behind within the first three minutes, managed to turn the game around with a commanding 4-1 lead in the second half. However, two late goals from the visitors set up a tense finish. Despite the pressure, Bournemouth held firm to set up a final showdown with Brentford.
Alan Connell said: “Very happy to be in the final, very happy with a lot of our play tonight but I didn’t like the way we ended the game. Again, credit to Burnley for staying in the game and scoring some very good goals at the end. But we went a little bit short in the last 10 minutes and obviously we’ll review it and make sure the players are aware of that, but we got over the line. In first team careers, these big games are about getting through. And tonight we went down behind early, which has happened before to us, responded brilliantly in that middle period of the game. I felt quite calm. I felt like our press was something that could disrupt them, which it did, obviously with their own goal. But lessons to be learned.”
Connell added: “We lacked energy, both the boys that came on and the boys that were staying on, went short on yards, didn’t get tight enough to people when we did fall into like a lower, a deeper shape. To be fair, one of the goals is a great strike from their lad. But we just went short on a few yards like I said with regards our running power and our recovery runs I thought. It’s something that we need to make sure that we get back to. And like I say, it’s a minor thing tonight, but it could have cost us. So again, it’s a good reminder for all of us that you can’t take anything for granted. But that’s why this 14-game win run’s so special because anything can happen in a game of football, anytime, that can stop you winning the game of football. So again, we’ve managed to find a way again tonight.”
Connell expressed satisfaction with the overall performance but acknowledged the need for improvement in the closing stages. The late goals from Burnley were a wake-up call, highlighting areas where the team needs to maintain energy and defensive discipline. Despite the nervy ending, Connell praised his team’s ability to respond positively after falling behind early in the match, a scenario they have encountered before.
The manager emphasized the importance of learning from such experiences, especially in high-stakes games. The victory marked Bournemouth’s 14th consecutive win, a testament to their resilience and ability to find ways to win even under pressure. As they prepare for the final against Brentford, Connell and his squad will undoubtedly focus on addressing the lapses that nearly cost them their place in the final.
