SKIPPER Tommy Elphick revealed Cherries’ victory over Brentford had been met with muted celebrations from the players.

Elphick told the Daily Echo: “Good teams win when they are not at their best and we certainly weren’t at our best. We have got two or three more gears to step up and are going to have to do that soon.

“The lads weren’t thrilled in the dressing room. It is early to be talking about being top of the table but we want to stay there for as long as possible and see where it takes us.

“As a defensive unit, we are buzzing after keeping three clean sheets because we know they are what make a successful team.

“We know we can step up and we need to move the ball quicker and start being better on the ball. We know we can be.

“We were under sustained pressure and Brentford asked questions of us. They really worked us. They came with a game-plan and not many teams do that in this division, they seem to rely on their big names. But they grafted and had a good go.”

Elphick also had words of praise for goalkeeper Lee Camp who kept a second successive clean sheet after failing to feature in any pre-season friendlies.

“He is a credit to himself and to his profession,” added Elphick. “Neil Moss has kept him sharp enough through his mind and Darryl Flahavan stepped in to keep a clean sheet at Exeter. We are in good hands with our keepers and it is fantastic to see.

“Everyone is pulling together and we are pulling each other through. Campy came back after injury and everyone has helped and supported him. He has been brilliant in the two games. Our success over the past two years has been based on unity and hard work.

“There are no superstars or big-time Charlies here. Everyone is at the same level and we are all pulling in the right direction.”