DAVID Brooks struck twice as five-star Cherries kicked off their 2021-22 campaign in style with a 5-0 thumping of League One outfit Milton Keynes Dons in the Carabao Cup.

Brooks got the ball rolling in Scott Parker’s first competitive game in charge, with a stunning first-half volley.

Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and debutant Christian Saydee put the game out of sight before Brooks added a fifth late on to send Cherries through to round two, ahead of the Championship campaign commencing on Friday night.

Parker made one change to the XI which started against Chelsea in the club’s final pre-season friendly on Tuesday night. Jaidon Anthony returned, wearing a protective cast after suffering a wrist fracture. Kyle Taylor dropped to the bench, while Zeno Ibsen Rossi and Emiliano Marcondes made their competitive debuts.

Jefferson Lerma and Chris Mepham were both suspended, while Sam Surridge was also absent. Ben Pearson missed out through illness, while Steve Cook, Lewis Cook, Arnaut Danjuma, and Leif Davis continued their recoveries from injury.

MK Dons, who announced this morning Swansea City had approached the club to speak to boss Russell Martin about becoming their new manager, handed debuts to five players including goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli and striker Mo Eisa.

After a cagey start, Cherries began to get into their stride with Jack Stacey and Brooks combining well down the right. The latter helped tee up the hosts’ first chance of the afternoon, crossing low for Solanke, but the striker could not turn in, nor could Anthony from the follow-up.

Brooks then tested Ravizzoli, who fumbled the Welshman’s shot, but MK Dons cleared.

Mark Travers remained relatively unworked at the other end, but did have to get down to stop a Scott Twine effort from inside the box.

Cherries turned the screw in the final 15 minutes of the first half and should have taken the lead when Billing opted against the shot, instead crossing for Brooks, who somehow fired over, unmarked from six yards.

Ibsen Rossi’s header was then comfortable for Ravizzoli, before Brooks again found space in the box, scuffing his shot straight into the arms of the Argentinean.

However, after missing two presentable chances, Brooks broke the deadlock in impressive fashion. Connecting with a perfectly-weighted, deep, lofted through ball from Kilkenny, Brooks calmly volleyed into the bottom corner with his weaker right foot.

Cherries were dealt a blow four minutes before the break with Stacey forced off and replaced by Jordan Zemura.

But smiles were back on Cherries’ faces again just two minutes into the second half. Former MK Dons loanee Smith, who had switched over to the right following the withdrawal of Stacey, crossed low for Solanke. The striker turned and slotted home to get off the mark for the campaign.

Cherries were in control and went close to adding a third just past the hour mark, with Billing’s powerful free-kick tipped over by Ravizzoli.

MK Dons turned up the power with their own set piece, with a ball laid off to centre-back Harry Darling to strike, but a flying Travers turned the effort to safety.

Back came Cherries, pushing hard to make it 3-0. Anthony tried to be too clever when one-on-one with Ravizzoli, before Kilkenny’s long-range strike was turned behind.

But a third goal did duly arrive as Cherries won the ball high up the pitch, before Billing slotted in.

Parker then turned to his bench, handing a debut to young striker Saydee, who wasted little time in getting his name on the scoresheet.

After fellow sub Junior Stanislas won the ball on the edge of the penalty area, Saydee turned home from inside the box at the second time of asking.

And he capped a dream afternoon, providing an assist for Brooks to complete the rout.

The second round of the Carabao Cup is due to take place next month.

Cherries: Travers; Stacey (Zemura, 41), Ibsen Rossi, Kelly, Smith; Kilkenny, Marcondes (Stanislas, 66), Billing; Brooks, Anthony, Solanke (Saydee, 76).

Unused subs: Camp, Glover, Taylor, Dennis (g/k).

Booked: Solanke, Zemura.

MK Dons: Ravizzoli; Darling, O’Hora, Baldwin; Watson (Martin, 75), O’Riley, Kasumu, Twine, Harvie; Brown (Robson, 54), Eisa.

Unused subs: Lewington, Jules, Bird, Ilunga, Walker (g/k).

Booked: Kasumu, Harvie, O’Hora, Darling.

Referee: Sam Purkiss.