EDDIE Howe declared Cherries’ Premier League relegation fight “alive” after an astonishing second-half fightback shocked Champions League-chasing Leicester.

Dom Solanke ended his top-flight goal drought with a timely brace as the Dorset club dragged themselves back from the brink to move within three points of safety following a stunning 4-1 win.

Howe’s side appeared doomed following a limp first-half display in which they deservedly trailed to a 23rd goal of the season from the division’s leading scorer Jamie Vardy.

But a bizarre two-minute spell in which an error from Kasper Schmeichel allowed Junior Stanislas to level from the penalty spot and Caglar Soyuncu was sent off in the aftermath of Solanke’s first goal turned the remarkable clash on its head.

Jonny Evans’ own goal put the result beyond doubt seven minutes from time before Solanke – without a goal in his previous 38 top-flight appearances following a £17.5million move from Liverpool – completed a memorable comeback with his second.

“It’s a massive result for us, we knew we needed to win,” said Cherries boss Howe.

“It was a really difficult first 45 minutes. Leicester played very well, we didn’t.

“But so pleased with the players because in that moment when everything looks like it’s conspiring against us we found something from somewhere.

“Again, against the odds, we showed great qualities, which has always been the hallmark of the team and the club. And we’re going to need that even more so in the next three games.

“I think we’ve got it all on to achieve it but we can do it. We wouldn’t have been able to do it if we hadn’t got the win tonight. It keeps us alive.”

The overdue victory ended an alarming nine-match winless run for the hosts to boost their hopes of catching relegation rivals West Ham and Watford.

Cherries make the trip to Manchester City on Wednesday (6pm).