BOSS Eddie Howe saw Cherries claim a deserved share of the spoils from their clash with fellow high-fliers Middlesbrough and then praised his players for their resolve.

Cherries had headed to the Riverside leading the Championship with Boro second, although Derby’s win over Wolves in the Saturday lunchtime kick-off saw the Rams leapfrog both.

Howe said: “It was two top-quality sides going head to head. Both teams went for it and it was nip and tuck. Middlesbrough were the best team early on and put us under a bit of pressure for the first 20 to 25 minutes.

“The pleasing thing was that we didn’t crack. We stayed strong and grew into the game from that point onwards. I felt we shaded the chances and thought we had some really good opportunities. We worked their goalkeeper, who made a couple of great saves, and we missed the target from good positions.

“I felt the most positive thing was that our goalkeeper didn’t really have to work too much. We restricted them to long shots and it was a really good rearguard display.

“The atmosphere was red hot and we had to withstand a bit of early pressure. But once we had done that, the players saw there was nothing to fear. We passed the ball well at times and, considering we were the away side, got a point with relative ease.”

Howe added: “Middlesbrough have been in really good form and have been free-scoring. They have been a tough team to score against all season and their defensive record is second to none.

"You could see why and they were very well organised. But from our perspective, we are improving that side of our game and it was pleasing to keep a clean sheet.

“They did well against us tactically. They tried to nullify our strengths and it was quite apparent to us what they were trying to do. You have to give their manager credit for the game plan he set up with. We still had the chances and, on another day, probably would have taken one or two.

“It was a very good point for us and, hopefully, it will give the lads more belief that we can achieve whatever we want to and we are the masters of our own destiny at this stage.

“Middlesbrough are a good side and will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. For us, I don’t think I am ever one to make predictions about what we are going to do. I would like to think we could maintain results in the short term and see where it takes us.”