EUAN Pollock struck twice as Cherries under-18s battled to a 3-2 victory over Stevenage to begin their Merit League campaign at Canford Arena.

The striker, who also scored against Millwall in the FA Youth Cup earlier this month, added to Jake Adams’s goal to wrap up victory for Alan Connell’s side.

Connell, whose side conceded twice in the latter stages, told the club website: “I was really pleased with the performance in difficult conditions.

“I thought some of our passing was quick and incisive and, as a result, we created chances. I was pleased we scored three nice goals and, as always, there were probably more to be had.

“The attitude of the boys was excellent and, in the end, it was a deserved victory. The gloss was taken off slightly by conceding the two goals but credit to Stevenage for that because they kept going.

“It was a positive performance but there are lessons to be learned with regards to seeing out games and being concentrated for 95 minutes.”

Pollock’s goals, his 16th and 17th of the season, was Cherries’ 100th of the campaign.

“We put a lot of work into our attacking play and have been clinical at times this season,” added former striker Connell.

“Defensively, I have been quite pleased overall but recently we have probably been a little too open.

“There is still lots to work on every day and that’s the message the boys will continue to be given.”

Cherries: Terrell, Genesini, Greenwood, Gray (Burgess, 68), Seddon (Roberts, 79), Bertrand, Adams (Okoh, 79), Moriah-Welsh, Pollock, Williams (Pardoe, 60). Oliver (Gidaree, 84).