EDDIE Howe insisted Cherries goalkeeper Artur Boruc had not deserved criticism for the misjudgment that had led to Brentford’s second goal at Griffin Park.

The Polish international attempted to punch clear Alex Pritchard’s long-range free-kick but instead diverted the ball into the corner of the net.

Southampton loanee Boruc later distinguished himself with several superb saves, twice foiling Jota when one-on-one and also keeping out Pritchard.

However, substitute Chris Long’s close-range strike in the dying moments wrapped up a 3-1 victory for the Bees, a result which denied Cherries a return to the top of the Championship.

Boss Howe defended Boruc and stressed that the error had been at odds with his performances in a Cherries shirt over the previous five months.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It was an unfortunate one. I wouldn’t say it was an ugly strike but the boy didn’t hit it cleanly and the ball moved in the air.

“That’s the life of a goalkeeper. Your mistakes are high-profile and get played again. That’s just how it is.

“He actually kept us in the game late on when they had a number of counter-attack opportunities.

“For the chances we had missed and for the moments that Artur had kept us in the game, you felt we had a goal coming. But it wasn’t to be and their third goal killed the game.

“He’s done so well for us since he came in and has made a big difference to the team. We’re not going to crucify him for one mistake.”