JASON Pearce has revealed the secrets behind Cherries’ revival – and the upturn in form owes much to growing self-belief.

The defensive linchpin puts the team’s recent run down to increasing levels of confidence – as well as a team spirit and togetherness instilled since Eddie Howe was handed the manager’s job.

Since Howe took the reins on a permanent basis, Cherries have looked a different side and young centre-half Pearce is one of the men to flourish under his leadership.

The former Portsmouth prospect believes Howe’s arrival has brought a feeling of “togetherness and positivity”.

Pearce, who is again set to play a key role when Cherries host Port Vale in League Two at Dean Court this afternoon, said: “Everyone seems really together and there’s a great atmosphere about the place.

“We’re starting to believe in the run we’ve had and we’re starting to believe we’re good players and we can really push on and get out of the position we’re in.

“We’re out of the relegation zone but it doesn’t mean anything at the moment.

“We’ve got to kick on and try to make sure we’re safe and get League Two football for next year.”

Pearce earned the official man-of-the-match award as Cherries climbed out of the bottom two for the first time since the opening day of the season with victory over Aldershot Town on Tuesday.

But he is determined not to let complacency creep in, with plenty of work still to do.

He said: “A lot of people will think ‘they’re out of the relegation zone now and they’ll be fine’ but it’s not like that at all.

“As players we were delighted with the win and to get out of the bottom two, but every game until the end of the season is a cup final until we know we’re safe and secure in League Two.

“No one wants to go down, everyone wants to stay in the league and we believe we will.”

Pearce, along with Ryan Garry, Shaun Cooper and the outstanding Warren Cummings, produced a fine performance to earn a clean sheet in Tuesday night’s derby.

And boss Howe is likely to keep faith with the same defensive personnel as Cherries attempt to gain revenge for the defeat they suffered in Staffordshire in August.

The loss proved to be Kevin Bond’s final game in charge, as he was sacked following the 3-1 Vale Park loss.