Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe praised his players for showing mental strength after the Cherries fought back from 2-0 down to beat ten-man Birmingham 4-2 and return to the top of the Sky Bet Championship.

Strikes from Steve Cook, Callum Wilson, Charlie Daniels and a Yann Kermorgant penalty helped Bournemouth equal their club record of 104 goals in a single season.

Birmingham, who had captain Paul Robinson sent off late on, had looked to be heading for a surprise win when Clayton Donaldson and David Cotterill struck twice in three first-half minutes.

A delighted Howe said: “It was a tough game for us. Birmingham started very well, scored two good goals and made it difficult for us.

“The key thing was we stayed in the game, kept fighting and kept going and got two crucial goals before half-time.

“It is the first time we have fallen behind at home and you could have accused the players of going under but our mental strength was key.

“We showed we have got goals in the side. We have done it all season and managed to come back.

“We are happy where we are in the table but we know we need to keep winning. The games are getting bigger and bigger.”

Birmingham manager Gary Rowett said: ''For 35 minutes it was our best attacking display of the season but we didn't quite have the mentality to see it out.

“Bournemouth are a fantastic side. They were under pressure at 2-0 but they showed great patience and were rewarded for that in the end.”