Howe: Really pleased for Pitman

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was pleased to have picked up the three points against a difficult Crewe outfit.

The Cherries returned to winning ways at Dean Court with a 3-1 victory, thanks to a hat-trick from Brett Pitman.

During the first half, Crewe were the better side in possession, although failed to really create any clear cut chances from the good play that they had created.

Somewhat against the run of play the Cherries took the lead when Marc Pugh was fouled inside the penalty area and Pitman opened the scoring from the spot.

Pitman then doubled the lead from close range when he tucked away Josh McQuoid's cross, before a penalty for a foul on Wes Fogden wrapped up the points and Pitman's hat-trick.

Pitman has now scored seven goals in nine League One appearances.

Howe told BBC Radio Solent...

'I think that today's game was a difficult one for us. It was always going to be hard - we've had a lot of travelling, we've had a lot of games and Crewe have had a long time to prepare for us.

'Physically, I think today we looked a little bit leggy first-half, we looked like we didn't have our usual spring in the step that we've displayed at home so to come in at 1-0 up was really pleasing.

'Brett's worked hard. We've left him out a couple of times because we've tweaked our system but he's shown a great attitude to that disappointment. His goal scoring record is up there with the best of them so I'm really pleased for Brett and hopefully there's more to come.'

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