Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has claimed that his side put in one of their best performances of the season to beat Middlesbrough 3-0.

The Cherries moved to the top of the Championship table on Saturday as they brushed aside their promotion rivals at Dean Court.

Howe now hopes that his players can push on and earn a top-two finish.

"That's as well as we have played when you consider the opposition we were up against," he told BBC Sport. "We defended very well and limited them to half chances and with the ball we were excellent so it's been a really good day. We fully deserved the win.

"Psychologically it gives us a boost knowing we've beaten one of the best sides in the division and it should serve us well hopefully in the remaining games."

Bournemouth return to action on April 3 when they make the trip to Ipswich Town in the league.