Howe hails Cherries' character

Published Jan. 23, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe hailed his side's character as they bounced back from defeat to Walsall to win 2-1 at Hartlepool.

The Cherries moved into the League One play-off zone on Tuesday night as they won their first game in six thanks to Lewis Grabban's second half spot-kick, scored 12 minutes after Josh McQuoid's opener had been cancelled out by Jack Baldwin.

"We lost on Saturday and showed character here, it's really pleasing," he said. "It was an excellent performance with and without the ball.

"They changed their game plan, we conceded a goal from nothing and then it's question marks about how the lads respond and they did it again.

"Josh McQuoid scored and took his goal well - the goal will do his confidence the world of good and he was busy and lively."

The opener at Victoria Park came on 29 minutes when McQuoid headed in a superb Simon Francis cross and the Cherries were in control for the opening 45 minutes.

But Evan Horwood's 51st minute free-kick caused problems and Baldwin turned in from close range to cause a scare for the Cherries.

A 63rd-minute penalty from Grabban won it for Howe, who admitted: "We were one up at half time and that leaves us open to a leveller. We passed well and were in full control, but in the main it was the final ball, cross or cut back that was missing.

"The main thing is we won the game and come back with three points. We are sixth and want to be chasing the top two it was important to get back on the straight and narrow after losing at the weekend."