Bournemouth missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Huddersfield Town at Dean Court.

Eddie Howe's men started the brighter of the two sides as Steve Cook rose highest in the penalty area to nod Matt Ritchie's free kick at goal, but he could only guide his effort over the bar.

The Cherries were dominating possession, with Ritchie pulling the strings in midfield, and was unlucky not to hand his side the lead when he drilled an effort from distance towards the top corner which Alex Smithies palmed away.

Bournemouth took the lead in the 15th minute through a well-worked corner routine as Harry Arter stepped over the ball from Ritchie's delivery allowing Yann Kermorgant to convert from close range.

The home side had the chance to double their lead when Ritchie fired another powerful strike at goal which was only parried by Smithies, but Callum Wilson failed to turn the rebound into the net.

In the second half, the Cherries continued to dominate possession but could not find the elusive second goal to take full control of the match.

Huddersfield managed to find an equaliser when James Vaughan reacted quickly to deflect Jack Robinson's drive from outside of the area past Artur Boruc.

Howe's side tried to hit back immediately as Ritchie raided down the flank and pulled the ball back to Kermorgant inside the penalty area, but the striker's effort was blocked by the body of Smithies.

The home side made a late surge to try to force a winner, but Smithies was in inspired form as he made a crucial stop to tip Arter's powerful drive over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Vaughan cleared the ball off the line from a header from Wilson.