JOHN Spicer notched the first league goal of his career but was quick to praise his new team-mates as Cherries earned an excellent 1-0 win at Hillsborough.

The Arsenal midfielder, on loan for one month, took his first-half goal superbly as he latched on to Dani Rodrigues' through-ball to beat the advancing Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper four minutes before half-time in only his second league apperance.

Spicer told the Daily Echo: "It was great to get on the scoresheet but it was a good team performance. They were hitting long balls at us but our back four coped really well.

"I was looking to break on behind the back four and as soon as Dani turned, I went. The keeper moved first and I waited and put it the other way. It was great to see it go in.

"We didn't play particularly good football but we worked hard and got the three points which is what mattered.

"We knew all they had was the long ball so if we dealt with that, we would be alright."

He added: "I'm really enjoying myself here. They are a great bunch of lads, it is a good club and I'm enjoying the chance to play.

"I was really chuffed at the end to get the win. It was a good day all round really."

Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll was pleased with the Romford-born star and suggested the 21-year-old is quickly learning the ropes of lower division football.

He said: "He has come from Arsenal and is learning what football is about. He plays for a side that is probably the best in the country but in the cut and thrust of league football there is another side to the game. He is getting better and better at it." O'Driscoll also admitted the risk of throwing the impressive Wade Elliott straight back into action as he recovers from a broken toe, but was left with little alternative when Marcus Browning was ruled out with his calf problem.

He said: "We had no choice with Wade. Marcus pulled up in the week and it is not ideal for Wade to come back with one training session behind him.

"Before he got injured, it was probably the best he has ever played for us. For somebody who has been out for three weeks, he did extremely well.

"Marcus has problem with his back which has manifested itself in his groin and now when he runs he is getting cramp in his calf.

"He might well be alright pretty quickly but he had a fitness test on Friday and it wasn't good."