BENIK Afobe's 12th goal of the season, and second for Cherries since his move earlier this month, handed Cherries a first-half lead at the Stadium of Light, but despite their dominance in first-half possession, Howe's side were rocked when Patrick van Aanholt levelled matters on the stroke of half-time.

Substitute Lewis Grabban missed a golden chance to hand Howe's side all three points late on.

Howe said: "We felt we were in total control and passing the ball but we didn't create enough chances in that first-half spell. One lapse of concentration can cost you and that was what happened.

"In the second half it was a more even game and Lewis did everything right apart from score.

"We'll take a point as its another on the board but there is a feeling of disappointment as we should have got all three.

"The lads did well in the second half to not let the crowd become a factor but I felt the game was there for us to take."

Junior Stanislas hobbled off late in the second half following a challenge from Billy Jones, with Howe suggesting the winger could have sustained a medial ligament injury to his left knee.

Howe added: "Junior has a twist to his knee which looks like a medial ligament strain. He is sore so we will see how serious it is. It will be a huge blow if he is out for any period of time."