CHERRIES under-18s coach Alan Connell said he was pleased to score four away at Crystal Palace but said his side “conceded too many chances” as the teams drew an entertaining game 4-4.

Cherries came from behind three times before honours finished even in the friendly at the Eagles’ training ground in Beckenham.

Cameron Plain was unfortunate to concede the opening goal, tipping the ball on to the post, only to see it strike him before crossing the line.

Khavarn Williams, the two-goal hero of Cherries’ win at Cheltenham on Saturday, restored parity five minutes later.

Although Palace regained the lead before half-time, Jake Adams converted Luke Pardoe’s low cross to level on the hour, before the visitors edged ahead for the first time in the contest.

Pardoe was on hand to net after Tarik Gidaree had dispossessed a defender and passed to Christian Saydee, who showed great composure before teeing up his team-mate.

A quickfire double saw the Eagles go 4-3 in front but Brooklyn Genesini converted from the spot after Gidaree had been upended six minutes from time.

Connell told afcb.co.uk: “It was an end-to-end game between two evenly-matched teams and a draw was probably a fair result.

“I was pleased with lots of things we did in possession and we had a good rhythm to our play which meant we were able to create those chances.

“You always want to take more than the ones you score but to score four away to Crystal Palace was pleasing.

“We probably conceded too many chances for my liking which resulted in them scoring their goals. From our point of view, some of them were avoidable, as is the case with most goals that any team concedes.

“Overall, I thought it was a great challenge for the players which is why we endeavour to put on these games, so we get tested against high-quality opposition.

“I knew we would be capable of performing well and we did. As always, we learned a lot and I was very pleased with the performance and the day’s work.”