BOSS Carl Fletcher described as "a great test" the opportunity for his Cherries under-21s to pit themselves against a strong Brighton under-23 team in a friendly.

The Seagulls fielded a number of players with first-team experience, including Anthony Knockaert, last season's Championship player of the year, and former Cherries striker Glenn Murray.

Both Knockaert and Murray played the first half at Albion’s training complex on Tuesday as Matt Butcher netted to cancel out James Tilley's early opener for the hosts.

Fletcher told the club website: "It was a great test for us. They had some really strong players out there, the likes of Glenn Murray, Anthony Knockaert and Solly March.

"They are a category one side and, while there are bits I want to be better, it was a really competitive game.

"There were good passages of play after we had conceded early.

"We let ourselves down a bit in the final third but it is progressing. It's important to come to a place like this and stand up for ourselves.

"The hunger and desire was really there. A sloppy final 10 minutes is all part of the learning curve.

Cherries finished with five under-18s on the pitch and Fletcher added: "At this level, you never really know what you will come up against. We faced a full under-23 side on top of players with Premier League experience.

"It's great for our guys to come here and perform. The result helps but that's not the main thing. The young lads came on and have seen the standard to reach."