COACH Stephen Purches felt a “professional display” had helped Cherries register a 4-0 win over Bashley tonight – but said his players’ decision making could have been better.

Keelan O’Connell’s double and two goals from Mikael Ndjoli – his first from the penalty spot – booked Cherries a place in the quarter-finals of the Hampshire Senior Cup.

Ndjoli also had a spot kick saved by substitute goalkeeper Joe Coombes after Bash number one Joe Prodomo had been sent off for hauling down the lively striker midway through the second half.

Purches told the Daily Echo: “We attacked the game well in terms of our attitude and our fitness was good as well.

“It was just little bits of attention to detail in and around the final third and our decision making wasn’t as good as it could have been.

“But that is why you play these games and, hopefully, next time you play them, you learn there are certain passes that need to be made rather than maybe trying something that isn’t quite on.

“The decision making overall wasn’t where I had wanted it to be but, as a performance and getting through to the next round, it was professional.”

Ferndown-raised O’Connell swept home Ndjoli’s cross to open the scoring after 17 minutes before Dami Bada and Matt Vining both went close to equalising for the Sydenhams Wessex Premier outfit.

Referee Lewis Sandoe had no option but to dismiss Joe Prodomo – brother of Bash boss Tom – after he had wrestled Ndjoli to the floor but Coombes pulled off an excellent save from the resultant penalty.

However, Bash’s reprieve was short-lived as O’Connell doubled Cherries’ lead in the 68th minute when he netted from close range following a pinpoint cross from the left from the impressive Ollie Harfield.

Ndjoli, felled by Lewis Aimson for a second penalty, made no mistake from the spot and quickly made it 4-0 with a composed finish after fastening on to a ball over the top.

Purches was delighted to see Matt Neale come on for the final 10 minutes following a long injury absence and pleased to have given under-17 trio Kyle, Taylor, Nnamdi Ofoborh and Jaidon Anthony valuable game time.

He added: “This is a good competition for the lads. We are in the development business with regards to trying to produce players to get careers and it is good to have games that have something on the end of them.

“It is men’s football, it is competitive and you learn about different ways of playing.

“We know Tom (Prodomo) quite well because he has been in and done a few bits with us.

“He is keen to learn and is a really good character. He has a done job great here and has turned round a club that was struggling so hat’s off to him for that.

“We knew it would be tough. We changed it slightly and played three at the back.

“There were lots of positives and some good goals but, overall, I was a little disappointed because it could have been more and should have been with the technical ability some of the boys have.”

Bash: Prodomo, Dathan, Bada, Slade, Morris (Dunne, h-t), Lucas, Vining (Coombes, 64), Hoare, Jack, Sheridan (Gould, 69), Aimson.

Unused subs: Hill, Head.

Cherries: Stanton, Lee Harfield, Jordan, Hobson, Buckley, Taylor (Ofoborh, 83), Worthington, Ndjoli (Anthony, 85), O’Connell, Dobre (Neale, 80).

Unused subs: Dennis, Sherring.

Referee: Lewis Sandoe (Highcliffe).

Attendance: 292.