Bournemouth 1 (M.Dacosta Gonzalez 38) Wolves 0
Wolves under-21s’ season came to an end as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Bournemouth in the PDL Round of 16.
Malcom Dacosta Gonzalez’s deflected free-kick was enough for the hosts as they ran out victors at the Snows Stadium.
After a lively start from both sides, Bournemouth generated the first chance of the match in the sixth minute. Dacosta Gonzalez picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired a powerful drive towards goal, hitting the post before danger was cleared by the visitors.
Despite the Cherries generating the best chance of the opening stages, Wolves worked the ball well and were patient in their play. Minkyu Ji had a penalty shout waved away after a promising counterattack as they began to dominate the ball.
However, neither side tested the opposition goalkeeper as a cagey game unfolded. Wolves continued to work the ball around the box, but the hosts did well to close off any shooting angles.
As the half drew to its close, Bournemouth took the lead through Malcom Dacosta Gonzalez’s deflected free-kick.
The momentum stayed with the hosts for the duration of play, but the scoreline remained 1-0 as the game headed into the interval.
Half-Time | Bournemouth 1-0 Wolves
Wolves were quick out of the blocks for the second half and almost levelled immediately. Dani Angel raced through on goal, but a well-timed challenge saw his shot deflected onto the roof of the net.
The Old Gold continued to apply pressure to Bournemouth as goalkeeper Mack Allen was tested following an accurate volleyed effort from Mackenzie Bradbury.
Moments later, Emilio Ballard-Matthews nearly found the back of the net, but his attempt was denied by the crossbar and eventually cleared away from goal.
The game settled down as Bournemouth continued to defend well. The Cherries tested trialist goalkeeper Adam Harrison, but he made a series of saves from the tame efforts that followed.
In the last ten minutes, the hosts almost doubled their lead through Eugene Nyarko. However, Harrison did well to jump high and save with his chest while rushing out of his penalty area.
Despite creating a series of late opportunities, James Collins’ side were defeated in Totton.
Full-Time | Bournemouth 1-0 Wolves
Bournemouth | Allan, Tonks, Merritt, Christie, William, Bevan (Ali 72), Rees-Dottin, Malcom Dacosta Gonzalez, Day, Michael Dacosta Gonzalez, Mottoh (Nyarko 82)
Unused Subs | Crampton, Sills, Chubinidze
Wolves | Harrison, Lembikisa, White, Okoduwa (Marwa 88), Lochhead, Bradbury, McLeod (Dayman 80), Ashworth, Angel, Ballard-Matthews, Ji (Anunlopo 76)
Unused Subs | Nolan-Ruddock