AFC Bournemouth 3-1 Crewe Alexandra: Eddie Howe praises Cherries' second half display

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe praised his sides second half display as the Cherries fought past a determined Crewe Alexandra at The Goldsands Stadium.

A hat-trick from Brett Pitman, including two penalties ensure the Dorset side sealed a 3-1 win to go fifth in League One.

"I admit that Crewe were the better team in the first half, but we earned the win by working hard and playing well after the break" explained Howe.

"There were reasons why we were slow out of the blocks. We have had a lot of games recently and I thought the players showed a great attitude throughout and the fact that they finished strongly speaks volumes of them.

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"Crewe didn't surprise us at all. They are a very good footballing side and they always have been.

"They pass the ball very well and gave us a real problem. We couldn't get to grips with the game and on another day, the scoreline might have been different."

Pitman opened the scoring with his first penalty after eight minutes, before doubling his tally after being fed by Josh McQuoid.

Crewe were given a lifeline when Ryan Colclough pulled a goal back, but Pitman sealed his hat trick from the spot to ensure the Cherries would take all three points.

AFC Bournemouth jump above MK Dons and Sheffield United in the League One table, who were both in FA Cup action on Saturday.