Howe heaps praise on Cherries

Eddie Howe: Happy with a confident team performance

Eddie Howe saluted his Bournemouth side's character after Brett Pitman's brace against Crewe sent them to the top of table.

Pitman put the Cherries ahead from the penalty spot at Gresty Road after a dubious decision from referee Richard Clarke before Mathias Pogba levelled for the Alex.

But Pitman netted the winner six minutes from time to secure a 2-1 win which saw the Cherries leapfrog Doncaster into top spot.

Bournemouth boss Howe said: "We showed real team spirit and togetherness.

"I think away from home it is easy to find ways to get beat but the best teams always find a way to win.

"We scored a late goal and away from home that's not always easy. Our fans were magnificent and they would have given the players a big boost at crucial times.

"Both sides had their moments but our keeper (Shwan Jalal) made some greats saves for us at key moments and we defended well.

"Crewe are a very good team as we saw a few weeks ago so we were going to play an extra man in midfield as both teams liked to keep possession."