CALLUM Wilson bagged a hat-trick as Bournemouth recorded a 4-2 win against Southend United’s under-23s at Boots & Laces this afternoon.

The Cherries striker - who is currently working his way back to full fitness after a knee injury - notched a trio of goals.

And Shrimpers coach Kevin Maher felt Wilson was ultimately the difference between the two teams.

“I thought we played well but their Premier League striker won them the game in the end,” said Maher.

“The strange thing is I actually thought we played well against him for large parts of the game but he showed his class and converted the opportunities that came his way.

“That’s the difference as you go higher up the leagues, the players you’re playing take more of their chances and our lads have seen that here.

“But it’s a good experience for them to be playing against somebody like Callum and they can take a lot from it.

“It was a good game and I thought we were able to cause them problems when we got on the ball.

“There were some very good performances and plenty for us to be happy about.”

Southend began brightly against the Cherries and opened the scoring early on when Harry Phillips’ left wing corner was headed home by Norman Wabo.

And Maher was happy to see the frontman hit the back of the net for the third game in succession.

“Norman is in great form and it was great to see him score again,” said Maher.

“It was a great ball in and he put it away nicely but it was disappointing to concede like we did.”

Bournemouth equalised before the break with Tyler Cordner heading home a right wing corner before Wilson bagged the first of his trio at the start of the second half.

The Shrimpers equalised when Phillips kept his cool to fire home an accurate, low finish from 10 yards. But Wilson soon netted from the penalty spot after being fouled by Dan Matsuzaka before he completed his hat-trick with a close range effort.

Southend United: Seaden, Clifford (Mitchell-Nelson 87), Matsuzaka, Pianim, Cotton, Clark, Cuthbert, Bridge, Batlokwa (Acquah 84), Phillips (Kinali 87), Wabo Subs not used: Humphreys & Benton