By Mark Mitchener BBC Sport at Ewood Park

Report: Blackburn 3-3 B'mouth O'Driscoll hails resilience Hughes laments poor show

Bournemouth striker Alan Connell admitted that Wednesday's Carling Cup victory over Blackburn was "an amazing night and an experience I'll never forget".

The Cherries emerged triumphant over their Premiership hosts after a thrilling 3-3 draw failed to separate the sides - and a marathon penalty shoot-out saw Sean O'Driscoll's side win it after eight spot-kicks each.

Connell had only come on as a substitute in the 74th minute but provided the cross that led to John Spicer's 115th-minute equaliser, before netting himself in the shoot-out.

"It's one of those nights that doesn't happen too often in a League One footballer's career," he told BBC Sport.

"We played well, stuck together and never let our heads drop, which is important - and to get a result at a fantastic stadium like this is a massive lift for everyone."

As I walked off before the penalties, Sean O'Driscoll said 'Al, you're having one' Alan Connell

He added: "Blackburn are a very strong Premiership side and they've got better players than us in certain departments, but we matched them for effort and commitment," he said.

"We have got a small squad, but it means you know you're always likely to be involved."

The Cherries may not have even needed extra time or penalties, had it not been for Morten Gamst Pedersen's equaliser in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of 90 minutes, which made it 2-2.

"My heart was in my mouth when I saw he was about to shoot," Connell admitted.

Alan Connell (far right) celebrates alongside Wade Elliott and Warren Cummings

"But looking at it now, it's possibly a good thing as the euphoria of winning a penalty shoot-out, and the excitement it produces is amazing.

"As I walked off before the penalties, Sean (O'Driscoll) said 'Al, you're having one', and two minutes later he asked 'Are you all right with that?' but I said 'yeah' as he knows I love scoring goals.

"Everyone's on such a high now, although we know we've got to turn our attention to Doncaster on Saturday now.

"But it's nights like these which make being a professional footballer worthwhile.

"I'm only young and I've hopefully got many more nights like this ahead of me, but to play a good part in the victory was amazing."