Extra time drama condemned Southend United to a 5-3 FA Youth Cup first round exit at Bournemouth last night.

Marc Massey's side travelled to Dean Court confident of securing victory in this under-18 competition, which had originally been postponed last week.

And despite putting on a good show, Blues' babes were undone by a late brace from substitute striker Tom Ridley, after a heroic fightback had held the Cherries to a 3-3 draw in normal time.

Southend got off to the best possible start as well, taking the lead after just ten minutes when home defender Ross Gregory turned Shrimpers youngster Ben Price's dangerous free-kick past his own goalkeeper.

Blues continued to dominate and midfielder Anthony Clark tested Cherries shot-stopper Kevin Scriven with a stinging shot, before strike duo Steven Bourne and Joe Ilett both went close.

But Bournemouth conjured an equaliser out of nothing on 33 minutes, when winger Ryan Woolfenden blasted a vicious 25-yard free-kick past Southend custodian Luke Frost.

And the lively wideman's cross set up Cherries forward Callum Burt to fire the hosts ahead right on the stroke of half-time.

Woolfenden continued to torment the young Shrimpers and it was his 53rd minute through ball which allowed midfielder Fawzi Saadi to run clear and place a third goal past Frost from eight-yards.

However, Southend rallied and substitute forward Tom Byrne slid home Clark's cross with ten minutes left to reduce the deficit.

And with just three minutes remaining, a right-wing run and pass from Byrne created a sensational equaliser for Stephen Bourne, who stabbed past Scriven from close range to send the game into extra time.

Published Thursday October 24, 2002

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