CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe has set his players the ultimate challenge to win automatic promotion – victory in their final six games of the season.

Howe’s men, currently third in League One, face a crucial Easter with today’s trip to Colchester followed by the visit of Scunthorpe to Dean Court on Monday.

A hat-trick of wins have helped Cherries revive their hopes of finishing in the top two after a run of five successive defeats had threatened to undermine their chances.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “People may say we are back on track but I didn’t feel we ever went off track. We may have in terms of results but I didn’t feel we played badly when we lost, especially at home.

“We are aiming for a points target and it is about trying to win every game. With nine to go, I said I felt we were capable of winning them all and I still believe it with six left. If we do that, I think we will achieve what we want to.

“We always knew the final few games would define our season. We have been in countdown mode for a while and have known how big every game is. The next six are huge but enjoyable because we didn’t think we would be where we are. We have clawed back a lot and have still got some more to do.

“It will be great to just be involved come the last few games of the season and be in the hunt for whatever the prize is at the end of it. When you consider the run we have had to go on to get to where we are now, it has been an unbelievable effort from the players.

“We are looking at the best outcome possible. You have to be positive in this situation so we are trying to win every game. We are going to go out with the intention of being positive and taking the game to the opposition in every game and see where it takes us.”

Colchester have also enjoyed a revival in recent weeks with six wins and two draws in their past 12 games seeing the Essex outfit move five points clear of the drop zone.

Howe added: “I have seen quite a bit of them and they have improved throughout the season. It is always difficult for a team to go through the change of manager process but they have steadily got better since Joe Dunne came in.

“They will be a tough nut to crack. Their results have improved steadily along with their performances. They have always had some talented players in their front line so it is going to be another difficult away trip. Their recent results have suggested they are more than good enough to stay out of trouble and I think they will eventually steer clear of it.”