GOALSCORER Siriki Dembele revealed his unwavering belief that Cherries would end up victorious at Blackpool – despite his side trailing for over half the game and missing a penalty.

Dom Solanke’s saved penalty in the 24th minute seemed to set the tone for Cherries’ afternoon, with the promotion hopefuls staring down the barrel of a defeat late on after Josh Bowler’s wonder-strike in the first-half.

Substitute Jamal Lowe restored parity with four minutes to go, before January singing Dembele marked his first start for his new club with a strike in the 95th minute to send Cherries back down south with three points from a 2-1 win.

Despite the relatively few chances Cherries had in the game, Dembele always believed that the Dorset club would be the victors come the final whistle.

He told the Daily Echo: “100 per cent. I knew from the beginning we were going to win this game, came into this game believing that we're going to win.

“And sometimes it may not be the case, but you believe to the end. And once we got the equalizer, it was only a matter of time before we scored the second.”

When asked whether that confidence waivered when Solanke’s spot-kick was stopped, Dembele stated that he remained positive throughout the game.

“No, Not at all. Because missed pens, it's like a missed chance in open play. Anyone can miss, so it doesn't matter. We continue just as we were. We don't let things like that let us down because at the end of the day, it’s a game of 90 minutes.

“If you missed one first minute, you might score two in the 90th minute. So just hold on and wait till the end.”

Dembele’s winner ensured Cherries now have a cushion of five points between themselves and third placed Blackburn, whilst also enjoying a game in hand on the Lancashire outfit.

Cherries currently sit second in the Championship table, with a haul of 58 points from 30 games.