BOURNEMOUTH coach David Dunn believes his players have gained “huge self belief” following their thrilling 21-20 triumph at promotion favourites Bridgwater & Albion.

Lions shrugged off injuries to Sam Hardcastle, James Flynn and Iain Crombie to overcome a team who were relegated from National League Two last season.

The Dorset side’s nail-biting victory – they clung on to their one-point lead through 13 minutes of frenzied stoppage time – has propelled them deep into the play-off fight.

Saluting Bournemouth’s second away triumph on the trot, Dunn said: “It has given us huge self belief now.

“Bridgwater have set their stall out for going straight up again, but frankly we more than matched them in every department.

“You always know it’s a good one to win when the hostile crowd goes silent at the final whistle. It was an awesome display and a fantastic result for us. It was our first big game of the season and we knew we had to come away with the points.

“They had difficulty living with us and we probably didn’t make our superiority pay with the points we deserved.

“Sadly, we had to re-organise as we lost Sam (ankle), James (rib) and Iain (shoulder) to injuries.

“Bridgwater threw everything they could at us in the second-half, but we defended resolutely and kept ourselves in front.”

Sam Yarwood and James Flynn scored Lions’ first-half tries, with Simon McFarlane adding one conversion and one penalty as they led 15-7 at the break.

McFarlane slotted over two more penalties as Bournemouth stretched their advantage to 21-10 before Bridgwater’s third touchdown in the 65th minute brought them to within one point.

Dunn said: “James scored an interception try in his first game back from a shoulder injury, but he didn’t finish the game due to a rib injury. He’s having an unfortunate run at the moment, although we don’t think any of the injuries we sustained on Saturday are long-term.

“Sam Yarwood moved to the area to work and has played National League rugby in the Midlands and Wales.

“He’s scored two tries in two games and has made a great start for us.”