EX-SKIPPER Jason Pearce helped to dent Cherries’ promotion bid and then urged his former employers to achieve their Premier League dream.

The Leeds defender, who donned the armband during Cherries' elevation from League Two in 2010, came on as a late substitute as 10-man United edged a 1-0 win at Elland Road on Tuesday.

Having endured a barrage of first-half pressure, Cherries laid siege to the Leeds goal after the break with Marc Pugh pelting the inside of the post and Yann Kermorgant hitting the crossbar from the penalty spot.

But after Pearce and his colleagues had completed a memorable double over the Championship leaders, the Dean Court favourite backed Cherries to flourish in the race for promotion.

Pearce told the Daily Echo: “We knew we would have to come out of the blocks quickly against a very good Bournemouth side.

“The lads were aware that they would hurt us if we did not stop them playing and we did well to get stuck in from the off. They have some great players now and I know what sort of manager Eddie (Howe) is.

“He has his way of playing and has helped them to find a level of consistency so I am not surprised to see how well they are doing.

“They have a bit of money there now, Eddie has spent wisely and got in some good players and I wish them all the best for the season.”

Pearce, who made 183 appearances across four seasons with Cherries, insisted Howe’s exacting standards would keep on track the club’s continued push into uncharted territory.

“He is a winner and a very good man-manager who expects high standards from every player,” added Pearce.

“You know you cannot allow your levels to drop whether you are playing or not and that keeps you going.

“Eddie gave me the captaincy at Bournemouth at a very young age and I feel privileged to have done that. I still appreciate it now.

“For me personally, he was a great influence. As a centre-half himself, he helped me along when I was a young lad and played a part in pushing forward my career.”