CHERRIES under-21s surrendered a half-time lead to draw 3-3 against an experienced Southend United side in the Development League yesterday.

Goalkeeper Ryan Allsop was the only first-team player involved for the visitors although trialist midfielder Pedro Carneiro – who started his career at Manchester City – came on as a late substitute.

Southend had the likes of Marc-Antoine Fortune and David Mooney in their ranks, as well as ex-Reading winger Jimmy Kebe.

Veteran forward Fortune put the hosts ahead before goals from Kyle Taylor, Mikael Ndjoli and Brandon Goodship gave Stephen Purches's side a two-goal cushion at the break.

However, Southend pulled level not long after the restart, midfielder Jack Bridge on the scoresheet before Fortune completed his brace.

Purches told the Daily Echo: "Their team was full of first-team players so it was tough but the players did well, especially in the first half.

"They put their stamp on the game but, unfortunately, a couple of quick goals in the second half killed off our good work. Hopefully, the lads will learn from that when they are in that situation again.

"It was a good learning day. It didn't end up being men against boys and for a young group, they competed well."

Cherries: Allsop, Lee, Harfield, Worthington, Jordan, Hobson, O'Connell, Taylor (Surridge, 65), Ndjoli, Goodship (Bailey, 60), Dobre (Carneiro, 80). Unused subs: Stedman, York.