Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Eddie's idol backing Cherries' promotion charge
RIVAL boss Stuart McCall saw Bradford topple Cherries from the League Two summit and then tipped Eddie Howe's troops for promotion due to their work ethic. McCall's men claimed a share of the spoils from a 1-1 draw at Valley Parade after Gareth Evans's effort had cancelled out Brett Pitman's opener, both goals coming in the first half. The result ended Cherries' unbroken nine-week stay at the top of the table as Dagenham & Redbridge leapfrogged them on goal difference following victory at Accrington Stanley. But after watching the Bantams hold the high-fliers in a hard-fought clash in West Yorkshire, McCall was convinced Cherries had the credentials to stay the course. The 43-year-old, a combative and hard-working midfielder during his playing days in the top flight with Everton, told the Daily Echo: They are a very hard team to beat. Not only are they a good side with good players, but they have got an excellent work ethic which will stand them in good stead in this league. I watched them in the FA Cup at Chesterfield and they were excellent there as well. They dominated and were very strong and resilient. You only have to look at what they did to Chesterfield to see they are going to be able to sustain their challenge. All eyes were on them after they had lost 4-0 at home to Rochdale the previous week so it was a real test of character. But they bounced back, even after going a goal down in the first couple of minutes. I think they will certainly be up there if they can keep that group of players together. They are strong boys and they work very hard for each other. Eddie and Jason are doing a terrific job and I wish them well. If they keep going, I'm sure they will be aiming to stay in the top three, at least. I wouldn't want to be going to Bournemouth in the play-offs, that's for sure. Cherries, who did the double over McCall's men last season, were on course to repeat their September victory at Valley Parade when Pitman put them ahead in the 33rd minute. But City striker Evans, sent off playing for Macclesfield at Dean Court last season, earned the Bantams a deserved leveller when he netted three minutes before the break. Cherries boss Howe said: The first half was fairly even but I was a little disappointed we couldn't nick it in the second because we had some good chances. I want us to win every game but saw it as a point gained. Sometimes, you have to accept what you've got and we took something away with us. The conditions made sure it wasn't a game of free-flowing football. Sometimes, you have to dig in and batten down the hatches to grind out a result and I thought we did that.