The return of Eddie
Howe sparked a dramatic change in fortune, with the Cherries unbeaten in 13
games since his return, propelling the south-coast side onto the fringes of the
play-offs.
Saturday’s 1-0
victory over Colchester was decided by top scorer Lewis Grabban who netted his
sixth goal in six games.
Howe believes the
Cherries’ strong competition for places is bringing the best out of his
players, pointing specifically to the developing partnership between Grabban
and strike partner Brett Pitman.
“Both players have done great for us so far
this season and hopefully there are more goals to come from them,” Howe told
the club website.
“The strength in the
partnership is the different attributes they possess. Grabbs has athleticism
and Brett likes to get into pockets of space, but they are both good finishers
and that is something you always want.”
The blossoming partnership
between the two has left other striking options like Matt Tubbs and Josh Mcquoid
out of the starting line-up.
Howe continued: “There
is always pressure on them to perform and that is the beauty of the strikers we
have here. We have proven strikers waiting for their chance and having that
sort of competition for places can only be good.”
The country’s form
side travel to Crewe on Saturday looking to record their third straight league
win before a home meeting with Gary Johnson’s Yeovil Town on Boxing Day.