ON THIS DAY – APRIL 14 2015

BOSS Eddie Howe hailed as “a real achievement” another memorable milestone in Cherries’ history and also welcomed the pressure of being top of the Championship pile.

A 1-0 victory over Reading at the Madejski Stadium – courtesy of Callum Wilson’s early goal – guaranteed Cherries at least a place in the play-offs.

Howe, asked whether it would be a disappointment if Cherries failed to go up automatically, replied: “This is a great moment for us. The highest we had finished in our history was 10th last season so it is a real achievement.

“We have come from nowhere to be where we are with a group of players who have given everything so why would there be any cause for disappointment?”

Responding to Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka saying he felt all the pressure was on the teams above the Teessiders, Howe said: “That is his opinion and I have no problem with that.

“All I would say is that I would rather be where we are. I would rather be top and have the pressure – bring it on.

“We would much rather be top because we have a chance to have things in our own hands.”

Cherries: Boruc, Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Pugh (Smith, 67), Surman, Arter, Ritchie, Kermorgant (Pitman, 73), Wilson (Jones, 88). Unused subs: Ward, Fraser, Gosling, Camp (g/k).

Referee: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).

Attendance: 18,917.