Bournemouth: Eddie Howe says win at Rotherham shows resilience

Callum Wilson (centre) got back on the scoresheet against Rotherham

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says his side proved their staying power by grinding out a hard-fought 2-0 win at Rotherham on Saturday.

After suffering their first defeat in 15 league games a week earlier, goals from Tommy Elphick and Callum Wilson got the Cherries back to winning ways.

"We were under no illusions - this was a big game in our season after losing to Norwich," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"This was a big win for us. It was a great response to last week's setback."

Bournemouth have a one-point lead over Ipswich at the top of the Championship, and Howe said the victory over Rotherham was "pivotal" to their chances of success this season.

"We've shown how professional we are and the number of wins we've had on the road is great," he added.

Callum Wilson's goal made sure of a 2-0 win for Bournemouth at Rotherham

"We pose a threat, as we know we can, but we've defended well at times. It's a pivotal win for us and everyone's played their part."

Howe said he was pleased his team, who have won plaudits for their flowing football this season, found a way to turn set-pieces into goals, with Elphick's header coming from a wide free-kick.

"You have to be able to score different goals," he said.

"If there has been a criticism of our attacking play, maybe we haven't scored enough from set-plays, although it's improved as the season's gone on."

Howe was also full of praise for Wilson, who ended a spell of three games without a goal by grabbing a scrappy second at the New York Stadium.

"As a team we've scored some spectacular goals this season. Today it was two scrappy goals but you take them as much as the others," he said.

"Callum was in the right place at the right time and I'm pleased for him because he and Brett Pitman worked tirelessly to stop Rotherham playing and generating control.

"They are character-building games for everyone. If you're not fully focused, prepared to work hard and roll your sleeves up, this could have been a very difficult game."