Cherries: Howe impressed by team's hunger (From Thisisdorset)

Cherries: Howe impressed by team's hunger

8:20pm Tuesday 1st January 2013 in Latest Sport By Ian Wadley

MANAGER Eddie Howe watched Cherries make it 16 matches without defeat and then lauded the attitude and commitment of his players.

Howe admitted Cherries had been left to rue failing to convert second-half opportunities as they drew 0-0 at promotion rivals Brentford.

Wes Fogden, Harry Arter, Josh McQuoid and Matt Tubbs were among the players to come close to netting a winner for Cherries against their in-form hosts.

Brentford boss Uwe Rosler, meanwhile, felt the Bees should have had a late penalty and the failed appeal sparked angry scenes in the technical area.

Howe, whose men racked up a fourth clean sheet in a row, said: “I was pleased with a point but more pleased with the performance, especially in the second half.

“I thought we were excellent in a different way to how we had been lately.

“It was never going to be a free-flowing football match. Whenever you come to Griffin Park, it is always a battle. It is a tighter pitch and Brentford play a certain way, so we had to adapt to that.

“But we had great chances in the game second half and we were kicking ourselves we didn’t take one of those.

“But I was so pleased with the lads’ attitude and commitment to the cause, as seen by all the players. I saw that real determination to be successful from all my squad. When you have that, you have got a chance of winning games.”

Howe also praised Cherries’ travelling support after 1,435 visiting fans made the New Year’s Day journey.

Cherries, who remained four points behind fourth-placed Brentford, slipped out of the play-off zone on goal difference following victories for rivals Swindon Town and MK Dons.