CHERRIES performed a textbook smash and grab to snatch all three points from relegation rivals Wolves, winning 1-0.

Marcus Tavernier marked his first start since returning from injury with the game’s only goal shortly after the restart.

Gary O’Neil made just one change to his side following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle.

Tavernier made his full return following a hamstring injury, replacing Jaidon Anthony on the left-wing.

Defender Marcos Senesi kept his place in the side following an injury scare, partnering Jack Stephens at centre-back.

There were hearts in mouths when Neto made a meal of a corner early on, punching the ball straight to an orange shirt.

Luckily for the goalkeeper, Cherries managed to deal with the loose ball, sparing his blushes.

Matheus Cunha had the first clear cut chance of the game, the Wolves striker thwarted at the near post by the foot of Stephens.

Cherries had the chance to do some damage on the break when Tavernier and Hamed Traore found themselves up against two Wolves defenders and plenty of space.

However, Tavernier’s ball to Traore slowed the move down, before the return pass was misplaced and dealt with by the hosts.

Shortly after Phil Billing became the first name in the referee’s book for a scything challenge on Adama Traore, denying the powerful Spaniard the chance to drive towards goal.

The half ended with Neto called into action on a few occasions, the Brazilian shot-stopper comfortable with some close-range efforts by the hosts.

O’Neil was then forced to replace Jefferson Lerma at the break, the Colombian too ill to continue. Joe Rothwell took his place for the second period.

Shortly after the restart, Cherries would find themselves in the lead. Solanke did well to whip in a cross from the byline, with the ball finding its way into the back of the net via Tavernier’s thigh.

The goal was Cherries’ first shot on target, and only their second effort of the game.

Tavernier’s afternoon would come to a premature end shortly after. The winger chucked himself in an attempt to block Adama Traore’s cross.

Shortly after, the winger went down injured, forcing his removal for Anthony.

The game devolved into a stop-start affair with a flurry of bookings from match official Michael Salisbury.

Cherries tried all the dark arts in a bid to see the result over the line, Senesi cautioned for kicking the ball away.

As the minutes ticked by, Wolves mustered little of danger. Neto had to tip over a Craig Dawson header at a corner, with the hosts struggling to break Cherries down.

Opting to defend his side's lead, O’Neil introduced Chris Mepham in place of the attacking Hamed Traore.

Solanke had a chance to seal the deal, but he was denied by a last-ditch block.

It did not matter, as Wolves failed to test Neto and the Cherries defence in the closing stages.

Cherries: Neto; Smith, Stephens, Senesi, Zemura; (Vina, 85) Billing, Lerma (Rothwell, hpt), Traore (Mepham, 81); Ouattara (Semenyo, 57), Solanke, Tavernier (Anthony, 57).

Unused substitutes: Fredericks, Christie, Travers (g/k), Moore.

Booked: Billing, Smith, Senesi.

Wolves: Sa; Dawson, Semedo, Kilman, Bueno (Ait-Nouri,62); Nunes (Podence, 62), Neves, Moutinho (Gomes, 70), Sarabia, Traore (Jimenez, 77); Cunha (Costa, 70).

Unused substitutes: Bentley (g/k), Collins, Jonny, Hodge.

Booked: Ait-Nouri, Gomes, Sarabia.

Referee: Michael Salisbury.

VAR: Tony Harrington.