BOSS Scott Parker insisted he was “very pleased” with Cherries’ performance despite their 2-1 pre-season defeat to Chelsea.

The Dorset club took the lead through midfielder Emiliano Marcondes in the second period but goals from Armando Broja and Ike Ugbo earned the European champions victory.

The contest was Cherries’ final warm-up clash before they begin their competitive schedule against MK Dons in the Carabao Cup on Saturday.

Parker said: “I thought we played very well. I was very pleased to be honest with you against a very good opposition, top side.

“Overall, I was really pleased in the sense of how we went about things. High energy, aggressive, front foot team that took it to Chelsea – which was brave of us.

“The team was brave in terms of that. Attacking-wise I thought we caused them some problems at times.”

He added: “We were knocking on the door before the goal. I thought we were right in the ascendancy – the goal came which was good.

“The two goals (conceded) we are disappointed with. They were poor goals on our behalf.

“There were some really good things and some poor things. It’s to be expected at this moment four weeks into pre-season.

“A group of players that are hearing a different voice, different rules, a different way of wanting to play at times.

“Along that journey, along that way at times there will be a couple of bumps and that was probably seen in the two goals we conceded.”