CHARLIE Daniels hailed Cherries' defensive resilience after securing a clean sheet and victory against Cardiff.

A first-half strike from Ryan Fraser and an accomplished finish from Callum Wilson in second-half stoppage-time earned Cherries a 2-0 win.

Daniels and his team-mates were tested with a barrage of crosses and corners in Saturday's contest at the Vitality Stadium but kept the Bluebirds out.

Cherries only kept six clean sheets in the Premier League last season. However, Daniels said they knew what to expect from Neil Warnock's side.

He told the Daily Echo: "We felt coming into the game if we defended well, we should be able to take the win.

"They are a big side and we knew corners, free-kicks, long balls, they were going to be a threat, but I felt we dealt with them really well.

"We won a lot of first contacts and a lot of second balls, which was key. It was a massive save from Asmir Begovic at 1-0.

"In the end, it proved to be a good day for us."

Eddie Howe's side dominated up to the hour-mark and should have been out of sight after missing a penalty and other chances.

Cardiff resorted to throwing more balls in the air at Cherries' defence.

The visitors enjoyed a period of pressure midway through the second half as they went in search of an equaliser.

"Whoever you play against, they are going to have a 10 or 15-minute spell where they are on top," added Daniels. "During the time where they were growing into the game, I think we coped with it really well.

"Asmir came up with the crucial save. Apart from that, I think we defended really well, made sure we made a lot of headers and got to the ball first."

Cherries had fallen to defeat in the opening match of their three previous Premier League seasons against Aston Villa, Manchester United and West Brom.

One of six players in Saturday's line-up who started Cherries' first Premier League game, Daniels said it was vital to get off to a good start.

"A first win in the first game since we have been in Premier League made it a bit unusual for us.

"I felt ever since pre-season started, how we came back, how well we trained and how well we prepared, we deserved the win and I think it showed in our performance as well.

"It was a good 2-0 win and a clean sheet as well, which was a big bonus. "The manager has faith in us and we have all improved as players as well.

"We had to because a lot of players have come in and a lot of money was spent. It is down to us to improve as individuals and improve the squad as a whole."