JAIDON Anthony is enjoying showcasing his versatility as he played a starring role in Cherries under-21s' victorious Central League Cup opener against Portsmouth.

In the first game of the defence of the crown they won last season, Shaun Cooper's side won 2-1 in the clash at Nyewood Lane to kick-start their group phase in style.

Anthony continued his fine early season form by netting both the Cherries goals before Brad Lethbridge pulled one back for Pompey late on.

"Consistency was the one thing which I wanted to add to my game this season," former Arsenal talent Anthony told the club's website.

"I'm scoring some goals, doing well and hopefully that can continue.

"When you're confident you're going into games thinking you can score and you feel like you can help the team a lot more. Against Portsmouth I was in central midfield. I was also there when I scored against Basingstoke (in the Hampshire Senior Cup).

"I enjoyed that and get on the ball a lot more from there.

"I want to be a player who you can put in multiple positions and be trusted, so it's a good thing for me to be able to learn and play in these positions now, so when I make the step up, I can do it."

He added: "It's nice to have that trust from your manager. I don't really have goals in terms of numbers but just to continue with goals and helping the team, developing as a player and looking to bridge the gap between here (under-21s) and the first team."

Cherries' remaining two group games are against Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle with the top two sides progressing.

Cherries: Dennis, Gillela, Jordan, Ibsen Rossi, Zemura, Dinsmore, Glover, Nippard, Dobre, Anthony, Scrimshaw.