CHERRIES midfielder Sam Matthews netted two breathtaking goals for Eastleigh in midweek – and then compared his loan stint with the National League outfit to stepping into the “real world”.

Matthews joined the Hampshire club at the end of January when they were mired in an appalling run of form under previous boss Martin Allen.

But, after three appearances from the bench following a short injury layoff, Matthews returned to the Spitfires starting line-up to play a starring role in their thrilling 3-2 victory at Torquay.

Matthews told the Daily Echo: “Sometimes, in under-21s football, although it is good for your development, the result is not what matters.

“Here, it is all about results. That helps you change your mindset as a young player.

“It is like going into the real world. You are playing proper matches.

“There are jobs and money on the line for these players. This is their club.

“When you come here, you have a responsibility to try to represent the club in the best way possible.

"Everyone at Bournemouth understands that young players reach a point when they need exposure to that type of situation."

Matthews opened the scoring at Plainmoore when he strode forward to find the net with a sumptuous, low 20-yard finish.

He then capped a thrilling 16-minute second-half spell, which saw the two teams share four goals, with a wonderfully-executed 25-yard volley that comprehensively defeated home goalkeeper Brendan Moore and won the match.

The 20-year-old’s loan club has now won three games on the bounce under caretaker boss Richard Hill.

“I have never scored two goals as good as those in the same game,” continued Matthews.

“There have been a couple of good goals in my time for Bournemouth under-21s but nothing that compares to those.

“To score in a competitive game – goals that genuinely make a difference – is really important for me.

“You learn a lot at Bournemouth but, being on loan, you learn different things, like the game management we needed at Torquay to hold on for the result.”

Matthews first played for Cherries in the club's under-10s and appeared in first-team friendlies against West Ham and Real Madrid shortly after signing his first professional contract in 2013.

He scored once in 13 outings during a temporary spell with Eastleigh's divisional rivals Braintree earlier this season.

“I have been at Bournemouth since I was an under-10 so that is all I know,” added the Poole-born midfielder, who revealed he remained in constant contact with staff at his parent club.

“I try to adapt, though. Different managers ask you to do different things.

“It has been good here. We have had a slight change of formation in the past couple of weeks. That suits our personnel and we have managed to get the ball down and play some decent football.

“That is natural for me and Bournemouth expect the players they send on loan to represent them in the way they have been brought up.”