NEW dad Elliott Ward enjoyed a victorious end to his eventful week and then admitted it had been a “surreal” experience.

Ward described a “whirlwind” few days after going through a full range of emotions following the birth of his son, a bizarre own goal and a well-deserved win.

The former Norwich City defender missed Cherries’ defeat at Huddersfield on August 24 to be with his wife Sarah, who gave birth to baby Henry last Monday.

Ward then endured the disa-ppointment of chesting the ball beyond goalkeeper Ryan Allsop as Cherries lost 2-0 at Watford in the League Cup two days later.

However, after his wife and child had returned home from hospital, the summer signing finished his week in style by helping Cherries claim a 1-0 win at Doncaster.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, the 28-year-old said: “It has been a bit of a whirlwind. Some-times, it all feels a bit surreal. I am just trying to adjust to it.

“I travelled to Watford, came back and my boy and wife came home from hospital on Thursday. I had my first sleepless night and then I was on the road again for Donny. We got the clean sheet and win on Saturday and now I can enjoy the break with my family.

“The first sleepless night was Thursday and then we travelled for the game. It was tough to leave them but this is my job and I have now got a few days to spend some quality time with them, get used to the lack of sleep and get into a routine.”

Ward produced a composed display as Cherries stopped the rot on the road following 6-1, 5-1 and 2-0 defeats in their previous away clashes this term.

He said: “I thought we dominated and could have been quite comfortable. It was the same against Wigan, we just couldn’t get the second goal.

“Our away record had not been great so far but Saturday was good. It is always good to win a game and keep a clean sheet.

“It was also nice for me to make sure we got this clean sheet and three points before the international break after scoring an own goal on Wednesday.”

Ward formed a solid partnership with highly-rated young defender Steve Cook as the duo successfully dealt with Doncaster’s aerial threat on Saturday.

Discussing Cook, Ward added: “He has been very strong and is very consistent. He had a really good pre-season and I think he will get stronger with games.

“This is a new level for him so he is learning about what he will come up against.

“But I think he has looked very comfortable and committed. He is good to play with.”