BOSS Scott Parker admitted Cherries needed to “take a breath” and realise the game situation when levelling at 2-2 against Luton on Saturday.

The Dorset club looked to have momentum on their side when Morgan Rogers slammed home just two minutes after coming off the bench to set up a grandstand finale at Kenilworth Road.

Parker’s troops were dealt a cruel blow however, when Kal Naismith’s effort seconds from time nestled in the bottom corner to win the game for the Hatters.

Parker said: “I thought at 2-2 the game started to become a bit end-to-end and a bit of a basketball match.

“We probably just needed a little bit more quality there.”

Asked what he felt Cherries needed to do once they got the second goal, Parker replied: “Take a breath. Take a breath, sometimes.

“It’s easier said than done. With the players on the pitch – Leif (Davis) who I thought was very good. Morgan. Young players at those moments.

“At those moments, you need to stick to what’s got you there, take a breath, take the sting out the game, understand where the game is at certain moments.

“When the game changes, or it ebbs and flows a little bit, quickly recognise what’s needed in certain moments.

“But in saying that, look, it’s dropped out to him (Naismith), there’s a couple of people down his throat making blocks. He’s put a finish in from the edge of the box.”

Defeat meant Cherries slipped to second in the Championship table, following Luton’s 6-2 victory over Bristol City.