JOE Roach praised his players for "responding accordingly" after Cherries had bowed out of the Puma Youth Alliance Cup with their heads held high.

Roach, who had been critical of his charges following last week's defeat by Plymouth, felt Cherries had given an "excellent" account of themselves at QPR on Saturday.

And despite failing to qualify for the second phase after losing their final group game 1-0, Roach said the competition had been a great experience.

Roach added: "We drew a line under the Plymouth game and their response in terms of attitude and work-rate was first-class.

"We lost a bit of composure at times but that can only be expected because we had five schoolboys who don't train regularly with us.

"The Youth Alliance Cup raises the stakes because you are up against well-established teams.

"It's a big test and I would rather have that test than not because it gives the lads an insight into what they need to be doing to move on to the next step."

Cherries, who finished sixth in Group Three of the Southern Section, were beaten by Antonio German's first-half goal at QPR's Harlington training ground.

Cherries: Gibbs, Queree, Stephenson, Franks, Finlay (Newton, 72), Ings (Kemble, 64), Partington, Cooper (Burbridge, 52), Preston, Wilson, Davidson.