ALAN Connell’s young charges responded to three back-to-back defeats with a comfortable win over Cheltenham Town at Canford Arena.

Cherries had lost their last three, starting with defeat to Reading before falling to losses against Swindon and MK Dons.

The under-18s wasted no time in the EFL Youth Alliance League match, racing into a 3-0 lead after 14 minutes courtesy of Baylin Johnson, Lewis Brown, and Jonny Stuttle.

Remy Rees-Dottin made it four midway through the second-half for an eventual 4-0 winning margin.

Johnson, Brown and Max Kinsey-Wellings had all come off the bench for the Shaun Cooper’s development squad against Derby the night before, with striker Stuttle and goalkeeper Ollie Camis unused substitutes.

Fresh off the back of a cameo appearance for the development squad on Friday night, Johnson opened scores inside six minutes.

The winger cut inside with a mazy run into the box, before firing an effort into the back of the net via the far post.

Cherries continued to control proceedings, doubling their lead six minutes later.

Jonny Stuttle found himself in a dangerous position inside the Cheltenham box, with the defence promptly barging him over to thwart his chances.

A penalty was awarded, with captain Lewis Brown stepping up to convert the spot-kick comfortably.

It quickly became three two minutes later when Rees-Dottin saw his initial effort saved by Archie Burford in the Robins’ goal, with the ball falling kindly to Stuttle to stab home.

After the initial flurry of goals the game settled into a rhythm of consistent Cherries possession with the odd foray forward from the away side.

Shot stopper Camis was called into action twice with one-on-one situations, first denying Fin Jenners before spreading himself wide to prevent Jay Simpson from close range.

The second period was far more even, with the Robins seeing more of the ball. Despite the parity in possession, Cherries were comfortable dealing with Cheltenham attacks, although they were not at the same levels of creativity demonstrated early on in the first 45.

Jenner must have thought he had clawed a goal back for Cheltenham when he curler from outside of the box seemed destined for the top corner, only to deviate and bounce away off the crossbar.

Cheltenham kept on testing Camis, with the Welsh youth international finding answers each time.

Cherries snuffed out any chance of a comeback for their guests by adding a fourth with 20 minutes remaining.

Rees-Dottin burst in to the box, popping up the lash the ball past Burford and ensure his side would cruise to victory.

Johnson nearly produce another fine solo effort when he tried his luck from range. His thumping shot was well-struck, beating the ‘keeper but cannoning back off the crossbar.

A goalmouth scramble in the dying stages saw Stuttle and Johnson each go close, with Cheltenham throwing bodies on the line to keep Cherries out.

Cherries: Camis, Holman, Rees-Dottin, Williams (Gregory, 63), Eagle (Redknapp, 70), Kinsey-Wellings, Johnson, Brown, Stuttle, Clarke (Morgan, 63), Osborne (Stevens, 86)

Subs: Allan

Booked: Johnson