CHERRIES youngster Jake Scrimshaw says his “main aim” is to break into the first team after capping an impressive season by being winning the club’s under-18 player of the year award.

Striker Scrimshaw, 18, netted 48 goals in 2018-19, including 17 during a fruitful loan spell at Southern League South outfit Poole Town.

That saw him rewarded with a first professional Cherries contract having joined as a 15-year-old following a four-week trial, and he will now progress into the under-21s next season.

Speaking to the Cherries website, Isle of Wight-born Scrimshaw said: “I was over the moon to be offered my first professional contract.

“It was what I had been working for my whole life. It was a dream come true to sign it.

“I’m delighted with the contract but I want to push on again and get another one. My main aim is to play for the first team.”

He added: “It (2018-19) was a very good season, both for me and the team. On a personal note I was happy with how it went and it was probably my best season since I joined the club.

“We had quite a few difficult games against some very good category one opposition in pre-season and it was good experience.

“It stood us in good stead for the season. I scored a couple of goals at the start of the season and then got four in a 7-0 win against Portsmouth. I just kicked on from there and kept scoring.