DEVELOPMENT squad boss Alan Connell described as a “really satisfying night” his side’s 4-1 win over Havant & Waterlooville, adding: “One of the most pleasing things for me is seeing an identity in the team.”

Cherries are now 10 matches unbeaten across all competitions, winning nine, after seeing off their National League South opponents to move into the Hampshire Senior Cup quarter-finals.

The game was locked at 1-1 at half-time at Westleigh Park, after Daniel Adu-Adjei’s goal was cancelled out by James Roberts.

Dominic Sadi put the visitors back in front, before a Kian Tydeman doubled sealed the win.

Reflecting on the victory, Connell told afcbTV: “Very happy with the performance, for large spells.

“In the second half I think we got control early and was pleased to score the second goal.

“We freshened it up with the subs, which we felt the game needed. I thought the subs were really good.

“Kian has popped up with two goals, which we know he can do, so I’m really pleased for him.

“It’s another really satisfying night. The control we had in the game, the way we passed the ball, the way we found the spare man, found the spaces, exploited the overloads, I was really happy watching.

“I said to the boys after, one of the most pleasing things for me is seeing an identity in the team, both with the ball and without the ball.

“To dominate like we did is credit to where the boys are at the moment. We’ve got to keep going because the next challenge is only around the corner.”

Discussing the challenges his young side face in the Hampshire Senior Cup, Connell added: “I love this competition.

“We got to the final last year. Some of our boys have had non-league loan experience, some may go again in January potentially. This is part and parcel of their journey and their development.

“I feel at the moment we’ve got a group that are really together and honest, but a really intelligent group that recognise what the game requires at certain moments.

“That is a really pleasing aspect for me.”