WARREN Cummings believes Cherries' new-look defence has the potential to become "one of the best, if not the best," in his time at the club.

Cummings has forged a formidable alliance with Josh Gowling and summer recruits Ryan Garry and Jason Pearce in a solid back line this season.

But despite the quartet's impressive start, Cummings also acknowledges that the current incumbents are under pressure to maintain their high standards.

The Scotsman told the Daily Echo: "There was quite a lot of athleticism in the defence against Doncaster and that makes a difference.

"Although it's too early to say whether this could be the best I've played with, it's certainly got the makings of it.

"But if we slip up, we know there are people who are as good, if not better, waiting to take their chance so it's up to the lads who are playing at the moment to keep it going."

Cherries will be looking to record their best start to season for nine years when they host League One rivals Port Vale at Dean Court tomorrow (3pm kick-off).

Victory over the Valiants would give Kevin Bond's troops seven points from four games - the most since Mel Machin's men collected 10 from 12 in 1998.

Cummings said: "Nobody is getting carried away. If we do beat Port Vale, we will have had a good start, but not a fantastic one.

"I'm still disappointed with the result against Huddersfield because that game was there for the taking and nobody can say they were better than us.

"It's a decent start but it's just a foundation to build on for the rest of the season. It gives you a bit of confidence rather than chasing your tail if you get off to a bad start.

"Port Vale have had an indifferent start but we know that means nothing. If we hadn't beaten Doncaster then we would have had an indifferent start as well so it just shows what one win can do."

Cummings rounded off the scoring when Cherries chalked up a 4-0 victory over Port Vale at Dean Court in October 2004 - their last win over the Valiants.

Third from bottom in the embryonic league table, Vale have taken one point from their opening three games and also exited the Carling Cup at the first hurdle to Wrexham on penalties.

Their solitary point came on the opening day of the season following a 1-1 home draw with Bristol Rovers before a 1-0 defeat at Yeovil was followed by a 2-0 reverse against Hartlepool at Vale Park.