ALAN Connell admitted Southern League South experience had helped Cherries' youngsters to mature.

Marksman Jake Scrimshaw has enjoyed a fruitful spell at Poole Town alongside his exploits in the FA Youth Cup, while centre-back Brennan Camp has impressed at Dorchester Town.

Scrimshaw, who is Dolphins' top scorer this season with 14 goals in 15 appearances, made a memorable first impression at Black Gold Stadium when he netted six goals in the Dorset Senior Cup victory against Portland United.

The 18-year-old could tomorrow feature in Poole's home semi-final tie against Weymouth (7.45pm).

Asked about the benefit of loan experiences, Cherries under-18s boss Connell told the Daily Echo: "With Jake and Brennan, in particular, when they have come back to us we have seen how much the experience helped them.

"Not just physically but from a maturity point of view, they perform and look like young men when they are playing.

"They have more of an assurance about them and we are doing it more and more with our young players.

"We are getting them out in men's football as early as possible and picking the right club because we want them to have a well-rounded experience to give them the best possible chance of having a good career."

Connell added: "For my boys, it is a case of their first loans, getting them playing in men's football and, hopefully, doing well not just for us, but also the clubs they are going to play for.

"If they do well, there might be a time when we look to get them higher up the football pyramid."