COACH Alan Connell admitted that Cherries under-18s had achieved “both of their aims” when they were crowned champions of the EFL Youth Alliance.

A 2-2 draw with rivals Plymouth Argyle was enough to see Cherries lift the South West divisional title on goal difference, on Saturday.

Daniel Adu-Adjei and Michael Dacosta Gonzalez were on target against the Pilgrims, who had already beaten Cherries in both league and cup this season.

Oscar Massey and William Jenkins’ goals sandwiched the Cherries double-salvo with the equaliser coming less than 20 minutes from time.

Goalkeeper Ollie Camis had to produce a top save in the dying seconds to preserve the title.

Connell added that the clash was “played in treacherous conditions”, increasing his pride in the promising young Cherries group.

Connell told afcb.co.uk: “I am really pleased for the players. As a group, we spoke in pre-season and I asked them what they wanted to achieve this season.

“They said they wanted to remain unbeaten at home and to win the league. Both aims were achieved.

“It’s important young players have targets. While our job is to develop these players for their careers and to improve them individually, they have to want to be part of a group that wants to compete and wants to win.

“They have been a pleasure to work with this season and we’ve still got a few months to go so I’m delighted for all of them. To win any league is always a great achievement and I’m very proud of all the players and all the staff.”

He continued: “We were probably a bit fortunate to go in at half-time leading 2-1 but we know we’ve got moments of quality in the team and the way we stuck to our task was really impressive.

“The conditions became treacherous and we got over the line with determination and character.

“I’ve said it before, those are the qualities our club has been built on through some difficult times we’ve had over the years.

“This group have done themselves and this club proud and I’m delighted for the players because they have managed to achieve something as a group together.”