CHERRIES are sticking to their guns ahead of the promotion run-in in the Championship – with Ryan Christie stating that his side will not drastically change their style of play despite iffy recent performances.

Whilst defeat away at Preston was Cherries’ first loss in five league games, Scott Parker’s side only won a single match by more than one goal during their run of strong results.

Cherries got themselves into a habit of leaving wins to the last minute, with performances suggesting that their run of four wins in a row was unsustainable.

That proved to be true up in the north-west, with Cherries unable to produce some late magic for a third game in a row.

Despite growing discontent amongst Cherries fans regarding Parker’s focus on methodical and patient build-up play, Christie reiterated his belief in the process, stating that “the proof’s in the pudding”, pointing to Cherries’ league position as evidence.

Whilst results at the weekend saw the Dorset club slip out of the automatic promotion spots, they are well poised with four games in hand on second-placed Huddersfield Town.

Speaking about Cherries’ style of play, Christie said: “I don't think we're ever going to overhaul it.

“I mean, I think the way the coaching staff, the manager is with the way he trains with us every day, the way we go into games, it's always the same principles and the same demand that he puts on us.

“When we follow those demands and principles, we normally come out with results.

“So the proof’s in the pudding and all the boys know that, realise that.

“We'll just be sticking to the same hard work and ethic that we've had since I've joined, certainly, and I've seen from everyone.

“I know that we're going to stick to our beliefs and hopefully that will turn out in a successful season.”

Eyebrows were raised at the weekend as Parker was dismissed from the touchline due to his protestations regarding Preston’s late winner, with the former Fulham boss enraged over the failure to stop play after Philip Billing was felled.

When asked how his head coach reacts straight after games, Christie revealed: “He’s been good to definitely read the dressing room or read the game in certain moments.

“If he thinks something needs to be said, he says it.

“But we do most of our analysis and reflection on games the next day or a couple of days after which always kind of takes the sting out of it, takes the emotion out of it, I suppose.

“Listen, it's been like that from the start of the season and we've always seemed to bounce back well from these kind of results.

“So hopefully the same again tomorrow night.”