Eddie Howe has revealed his delight with Bournemouth's defensive qualities after a 1-0 victory over Reading kept them top of the Championship.

Callum Wilson scored the winner in the fourth minute as the Cherries survived long spells of pressure to clinch three more valuable points in their bid for promotion, and Howe admitted that it was pleasing to see his players display their resilience.

"It was a nervy ending," the Bournemouth boss told reporters. "There was a lot at stake. We defended for our lives, we protected our goal superbly and we showed incredible mental strength to score so early and see the game out in the manner that we did.

"It was a different kind of win for us. But performances now are of less importance than results. We were strong at the back and I was pleased with our whole team's defensive performance.

"I'd much prefer that we were playing total football as we've done the majority of the season. But we're finding a new way to win and I'll take that at this stage."

Howe's side, who are just one point clear of Norwich City, host Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday afternoon.