DEFENDER Chris Mepham believes Cherries “gave a really good account of ourselves” as they battled to a 1-1 Premier League draw with Newcastle United.

The Dorset club took the lead through Philip Billing’s opener just past the hour mark, before Alexander Isak slammed home from the penalty spot five minutes later to ensure the spoils were shared.

The result put Cherries 12th in the Premier League table, with eight points from their opening seven league fixtures.

Assessing the display as a whole, Wales international Mepham told the Daily Echo: “We knew it would be tough.

“Any game in this league is going to be tough away from home but I think with the results we have had recently, it’s given us lots to look forward to and that bit of confidence coming away here.

“I know we gave a really good account of ourselves. The second half probably got away from us a bit but you take the lead and it’s yours to hang on to.

“We couldn’t hang on to the win but a very good point on the road.”

Newcastle got their leveller from the spot when Kieran Trippier’s cross was judged to have been handled by Jefferon Lerma, following a VAR check.

Referee Craig Pawson reversed his decision, having been advised to consult the pitchside monitor by VAR Stuart Attwell.

Giving his take on that decision, Mepham said: “I think it is harsh but on the flip side, if that was us we’d be calling for it. We’d be appealing.

“Of course, when you are on the receiving end of it, it’s just difficult where you put your arms. I don’t think that’s an unnatural position.

“But he’s in charge and he checked it. He thought it was deliberate. A difficult decision but in the scheme of things, a fair result.”

Mepham was speaking post-match on the pitch at St James’ Park, before hoping to catch up with former Cherries bosses Eddie Howe and Jason Tindall – the duo now at the helm on Tyneside.

“I am going to try to say hello to them,” said the centre-back, when asked he has spoken with Howe and Tindall.

“Of course, naturally you want to focus on the game and not be too distracted about it being their first game back (against Cherries) and stuff.

“I have got a lot to thank both of them for.

“Eddie brought me to the club and the Prem. Jason, when he got the job, I had a really good run of games under him and was playing some of my best football. I’ve got a lot of time for both of them.”