DEVELOPMENT squad coach Stephen Purches hailed the performance of Bashley goalkeeper Nic Jones, who helped keep down the score in Cherries’ dominant 3-0 victory.

Purches’s charges carved open at will the hosts during an incisive first-half display in Bash legend Paul Gazzard’s testimonial, but found ex-Cherries youngster Jones, who is on trial with the Southern Premier outfit, in fine form.

The former Poole Town stopper, who lined up for Bournemouth Poppies last season, pulled off four point-blank saves – two each from trialist Charlie Losasso and striker Jordan Chiedozie – during an opening 45 minutes where the duo terrorised Bashley’s backline.

And while the manner of his young side’s display pleased the newly-appointed coach the most, Purches heaped praise on Bashley’s man between the sticks.

“If he was on trial then he certainly didn’t do himself any harm,” said Purches. “I didn’t think we were going to get past him again at one point. Some of his saves were unreal and we could have scored a lot more if it hadn’t been for him.

“I was delighted with our lads though, we looked really strong and controlled the game. The result was about right in the end.”

Cherries took a fifth-minute lead when Josh Carmichael latched on to a poor touch by man-of-the-moment Gazzard and stepped inside to rifle a swirling shot home from the edge of the area.

Harry Cornick’s effort was deflected on to the woodwork before Chiedozie also saw a downward header bobble against the post as Cherries ramped up the pressure.

And despite Jones’s heroics, the second goal was never far away as Aristide Bassele showed good close control to snaffle a loose ball from Jones’s gloves and outmuscle Gazzard to finish.

Chiedozie missed some presentable openings on the night but had the last laugh when substitute goalkeeper Ross Casey’s error allowed him to plunder Cherries’ third and final goal from Bassele’s cross on 64 minutes.

Chances were few and far between for Bashley on Gazzard’s big night with the New Forest outfit fielding several trialists.

Verwood’s Jack Satterley and former Bash favourite Dave Allen played alongside former Cherries and Wimborne youngster Aidan Sainsbury and Bradley Morris, son of Lymington & New Milton stalwart Paul.

Cherries: Collins, Sebastio (Kaye, 70), Gabriel (Helyar, 70), Zubar (Butcher, 70), Cargill (Jones, h-t), Wakefield (Harris, 70), Losasso (Walsh, 70), Carmichael (McCarthy, 39), Bassele (Musoke, 70), Chiedozie (Roberts, 70), Cornick (Kirkwood, 70).

Attendance: 436.