Eddie Howe saw his Bournemouth side grab a spirited 3-1 home win over relegation battlers Grimsby - and backed his strikers to fire the Cherries to promotion.

Goals from Alan Connell, an own goal from Mariner's defender Paul Linwood and a spectacular late bicycle kick by Brett Pitman cemented the Cherries' place at the top of League Two and Howe believes his side's attacking intent will lead them to success this season.

Howe said: "The table is starting to take real shape and I think the boys up front will have a big part to play in keeping us there if they stay injury free."

He added: "We looked very threatening every time we went forward, I thought as a team we attacked with real intent and pace and that is pleasing.

"It is nice that our strikers are coming into form at the same time and that does give me a selection headache, but no manager minds that.

"Alan Connell got his first league goal for a while and that will be a relief to him but I never doubted his ability and I'm sure he will kick on from here.