TOP tipster Eddie Howe believes the race to win Cherries' leading midfield goalscorer accolade will go right down to the wire.

Sean O'Driscoll's side have netted 66 league and cup goals this season with the midfielders currently outgunning the strikers.

Claus Jorgensen, Richard Hughes, Carl Fletcher and Wade Elliott have accounted for 28 of the 35 goals scored from midfield.

Jorgensen leads the way with eight, but Hughes and Fletcher are breathing down the Dane's neck having notched seven apiece.

And Elliott is also making a late burst to stake his claim after hitting three goals in the last three games to take his tally to six.

Howe, Hughes and Fletcher had a small wager on who would finish as top goalscorer between the trio at the start of this season.

But the 23-year-old defender has reluctantly ruled himself out of the running after bagging a solitary goal against Walsall.

Howe joked: "I tried to count my three disallowed goals and a header I scored in training last week, but they wouldn't have it. I also keep telling the lads to prepare themselves for my hot streak, although if I'm honest, I am on to a loser."

Howe added: "It is difficult to predict who will win because all of them are having such good seasons. "Richard's got a good chance because of the set-pieces and Fletch works well off Steve Fletcher's flicks in open play.

"Claus has always had an eye for a goal and keeps chipping in and Wade is on a purple patch and always pops up with vital goals for us. Whoever wins, we have got a superb return and I think it proves we have got one of the best midfields in the league.

"It doesn't matter who scores because it takes the pressure off the strikers when you've got four or five midfielders notching regularly."

Bristol City were the latest victims of the free-scoring quartet when stunning strikes from Elliott (2), Hughes and Fletcher helped Cherries romp to their biggest win for 15 months on Saturday.

Fletcher, who hit the third in Saturday's 4-0 triumph against the Robins at Dean Court, said: "We had a little bet at the start of the season and I think it's going to be a two-horse race between me and Richard.

"Eddie hasn't really participated this season and although he keeps talking about this hot run of his, I can't really see it happening.

"Richard and I are level-pegging at the moment and it bodes well for the team that all the midfielders are scoring regularly.

"We didn't let Wade in on the bet because we knew he was a big threat, but we might bring him in if we can get a decent lead on him."

Elliott added: "It would be a nice honour to finish as the leading goalscorer from midfield and I know I have still got a few people to catch up.

"Everyone has a look at how many everyone else has got and all the midfielders have weighed in with their fair share this season.

"I know Fletch and Richard are very competitive and I am hoping to edge closer to them. I haven't set myself any targets and my main aim is to stay in the team."