Cherries: Wiggins salutes side's resolve

06 April 2010 07:00
RHOYS Wiggins hailed his team-mates' determination after Cherries yesterday claimed another hard-earned point on the long road to League Two promotion.[LNB] Eddie Howe's charges were made to dig deep against leaders Rochdale at Spotland, but put one finger on an automatic promotion place following a highly-successful Easter weekend that started with Saturday's 1-0 win over Bradford at Dean Court.[LNB] The hosts dominated in large spells, with Howe's back four having a busy afternoon keeping lively front pair Chris O'Grady and Chris Dagnall quiet.[LNB] Both men had chances throughout, although Brett Pitman was controversially flagged offside when putting the ball in the net during a pulsating second half.[LNB] But with promotion rivals Rotherham and Chesterfield both tasting defeat, Howe's troops travelled back to Dorset last night with a welcome six-point cushion over the chasing pack.[LNB] Wiggins, who starred in Cherries' defence, told the Echo: It's a massive point and it's been a great weekend for us taking four points from six. Rotherham have slipped up as well and we'll be looking to take this form in to the next few games to try and get promotion.[LNB] It was a good game and they made it quite difficult for us up front. They played three up and played quite narrow but I think the lads enjoyed it and showed great determination.[LNB] There will always be pressure from now until the end of the season, but Saturday definitely gave us a little leverage to push on into the match. It's a tough place to come but I thought we slowed the game down well and took it to them at times during the second half.[LNB] I think the lads have individually set targets but as far as we're concerned, we're going into every game to get three points.[LNB] Boss Howe was forced to shuffle his pack during the clash, with Lee Bradbury limping off midway through the first half and Ryan Garry just before the hour mark.[LNB] Howe said: It was a tough afternoon. The pitch, as everyone at the game could see, was not one for good football but I thought we tried to play the right way. We're going in the right direction and this was definitely a point gained.[LNB] Lee has been excellent for us and it wasn't ideal to have to bring him off. He's performed consistently and we haven't got another right-back, but Anton Robinson did a great job when we moved him there.[LNB] We had to re-balance the team but that has been the story of the season. Joe Partington was excellent as well when he came on and he's worked hard at his game over the past few weeks.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo