Reds were too strong for AFC Bournemouth as they beat Paul Groves' side 3-1 at the Broadfield Stadium to move into the play-off places.

Hope Akpan gave Reds the lead with his third of the season before Joe Walsh made it 2-0 on the stroke of half time.

Lee Barnard got Bournemouth back into the game just after half time but Reds regained their two goal lead through Nicky Adams shortly after.

Bournemouth started the brighter but were forced into an early change as Matt Tubbs replaced Frank Demouge.

Tubbs was the first to go close as his free kick went just over the bar before Eunan O’Kane’s shot was saved by Paul Jones.

And on the half-hour mark, Akpan pounced on Adams’ cross which the visitors had only partially cleared to make it 1-0.

Reds were now on top and Walsh made it 2-0 on in the 45^th minute as he headed home from Mat Sadler’s free-kick.

Just after the restart the visitors got themselves back into the game as Barnard pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire home past Jones.

Bournemouth sensed an equaliser but it was Reds who doubled their advantage as Gary Alexander crossed for Nicky Ajose. He teed up Adams who beat Stephane Zubar and side footed past David James.

There were chances for Nathan Byrne, Walsh and Mark Connolly as the game wore on, but in truth, three was always going to be enough.

The win lifts Reds into the play-off places and gives them their first win in three at the Broadfield Stadium.