Eddie Howe has said that he was delighted to see his Bournemouth side beat south coast rivals Southampton 2-0 and take a big step toward survival in the process.

Goals in both halves from Steve Cook and Benik Afobe did the damage at Dean Court as the Cherries moved eight points clear of the relegation zone.

"I'm very pleased for everyone. We knew how big a game it was. It is a long time since we have beaten Southampton," he told BBC Sport at full time.

"We were on the front foot from the off. In previous games we haven't got the goals when we have been dominant.

"The whole team functioned and when we play well we are a difficult team to beat."

Bournemouth, enjoying their first ever top-flight season, face Newcastle United away on Saturday.