BOSS Eddie Howe praised Cherries’ spoiling qualities after the Dean Court side secured a 1-1 draw at in-form Norwich this afternoon.

A header from ex-Cherries striker Lewis Grabban was cancelled out by Callum Wilson in first-half stoppage time.

See all the pictures of AFC Bournemouth at Norwich City in a gallery

And Howe was pleased to keep Norwich’s significant attacking talent relatively quiet and prevent a third loss on the spin in the Championship.

He told the Daily Echo: “We were never going to come here and totally outplay Norwich, not with the players they have, but we did show a different side to our game.

“We had to rat around in midfield and not let them have time on the ball. We had to clog holes and make it difficult for them to use Grabbs’ pace on the break. We did all those things really well.

“It was important we came here and got something and after going a goal down, I thought the players responded very well and dug in.

“We rode our luck but I think we got what we deserved in the end. A point is a good result off the back of two defeats.

“Their goal was a disappointment because it was out of context in the game. They had not had a chance, it was their first ball into the box and they scored.

“For Grabbs to score a header is equally frustrating because it’s not really his trademark but he took it well.”

Howe was delighted by Wilson’s equaliser although he admitted that the attacking quality his team showed in the move was a rarity in the game.

The boss continued: “The goal was magnificent. We switched the play from side to side and it was a really incisive move.

“Although it looked an easy finish, it wasn’t. The ball came at a pace and Callum was running, so he controlled the shot very well.

“It was a wonderful ball from Junior Stanislas to cut them open and a great run and cross in from Simon Francis.

“We didn’t show that kind of quality often enough today. I think we can play better and that’s the pleasing thing.”