CHERRIES winger Jaidon Anthony believed his side’s opening day draw with West Ham United represented a “positive start.”

Anthony played the first hour of the contest, coming off as Cherries trailed to Jarrod Bowen’s curled effort from outside the box.

Dominic Solanke popped up eight minutes from time to ensure the spoils from Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge of Cherries would be shared.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after the game, Anthony commented: “Tough fight.

“They're a good side, they're good at what they do.

“But, probably a good point.

“It's a positive start.

“Obviously we wanted the win, but, they're really good at what they do and it was a tough game.

“Like I said, I think we got what we deserved and went in the right direction.”

Asked if he felt a difference between the intensity of pre-season and competitive football, Anthony replied: “Maybe.

“The manager’s pushed us hard in pre-season, so I feel like we put a lot into that.

“It was a big day for us today.

“They're really good at what they do, they make it hard. I feel like we brought up a good fight and got what we deserved.”

Anthony and Cherries’ focus now turns to a trip to Anfield next weekend, when they face Liverpool on Saturday, August 19.