FORMER Saints star Andrew Surman was among the scorers as AFC Bournemouth’s incredible rise hit new heights last night.

Cherries manager Eddie Howe praised his team after seeing them go to the top of the Sky Bet Championship table with a 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, as former leaders Watford lost 2-1 at lowly Birmingham.

Surman and Ryan Fraser netted during a four-minute spell in the second-half to give the Cherries victory, extending their winning run to seven games.

The hosts were forced to play with only 10 men for the last 30 minutes after Royston Drenthe was dismissed for picking up two yellow cards.

Wednesday had started quite brightly with Jacques Maghoma forcing a save out of Saints loanee keeper Artur Boruc.

The Pole also kept out a couple of efforts from Drenthe.

Howe said: “It was another good, professional performance and a big three points.

“I don't think we were at our best in the final third in the first half. We needed an extra pass before shooting and thankfully we got that in the second half with two goals of real quality.

“You need goals to stamp your authority and I back this team to score goals.

“Wednesday are a good side who've surprised a few people this season. I was maybe a little surprised that they didn't press us a bit higher up.

“The red card certainly helped us. I don't think the tackles were in any way malicious. I think they were just mistimed.

“You come up with little things to upset the game plan and maybe we frustrated them a little.

“We want to enjoy being top of the table but we've got to look to maintain our position."

Wednesday’s former Saints manager Stuart Gray, who has now seen his team go nine league and cup games without a win, said: “That is not an acceptable performance.

“That's probably the worst I've felt losing a game with Sheffield Wednesday.

“You're not going to win games of football if you wait until the 85th minute to get a tackle in.

“You're not going to win football matches by playing square and backwards.

“We lost probably in every department. We seemed to down tools after going down to 10 men.

“We are a Jekyll and Hyde side at the moment. We have confidence and self-belief away from home but not at home.”