SCOTT Parker described the atmosphere inside Vitality Stadium as “incredible” as he watched Cherries pick themselves up off the canvas to record a 3-2 victory over Bristol City.

Substitute Siriki Dembele slotted in from close range following a brilliant mazy run to claim what proved to be the winning goal to help second-placed Cherries open up a six-point lead over their automatic promotion rivals.

Dominic Solanke and Lewis Cook were also on target for the hosts, who had to come from behind and then see off a potential late City fightback.

The victory ensured back-to-back wins for the Dorset club, after their 3-0 win over Huddersfield before the international break.

Assessing the display, Parker said: “I thought it was equally as superb as it was against Huddersfield.

“There's probably an element to say it’s even better, because we went goal down early on in the game.

“And at that point, at this point of the season, I think everyone could probably get a little bit edgy and become a bit desperate and go against everything we're about. Or try and go too hard to try and get a result.

“But I saw a team that took one on the chin, took an eight count and got back up. Then at that point dominated, I thought the stadium today was incredible, certainly at 1-0.

“I felt the mindset and the mentality of the stadium was exactly the same as my team.

“They scored and it was a bit like 'let's get the ball out and let's just go again'. They were right behind us as well which I was ecstatic with.

“And then like I said, I thought the majority the game we were superb.

“The game should probably get put to bed at 3-1. We had some big chances to make it four or five and then the game does get a little bit edgy.

“They score a goal and it's the dynamics of this league. I constantly see it. Bristol's mindset was that they had nothing to lose it at 3-1, they could load the top end of the pitch with a lot of players and it does cause some problems.”

Cherries’ next test comes at West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday (8pm).