CHERRIES’ in-form goalscoring star Lewis Grabban has lavished praise on returning strike partner Brett Pitman.

The pair joined forces in Cherries’ starting XI for the first time this season during the 1-0 victory over Wigan on Saturday.

Grabban continued his exceptional run in the Championship by netting his – and Cherries’ – fourth league goal of the campaign.

The 25-year-old has taken many of the plaudits for the club’s impressive start to life back in English football’s second tier.

But following the win against FA Cup holders Wigan, Grabban hailed the impact of Pitman who made his first 90-minute appearance since overcoming a hamstring injury.

Grabban said: “He gives us a different style of play and, coming through the centre, he is able to get that bit closer to me.

“In the other systems, it is usually the wingers that support me, but it is always nice when the ball is played to you and you know you can lay it off to someone.

“It makes it much easier to have someone supporting you.”

Meanwhile, winger Marc Pugh believes Cherries’ home form will be crucial this season as they continue to adjust to life in the Championship.

Pugh has played his part in successive Dean Court victories over Charlton and Wigan, and also featured in the 6-1 defeat on the road at Watford.

The 26-year-old told the club website: “In the past few seasons, we have made it a bit of a fortress and the teams who have visited have found it difficult.

“Against the better teams, like your Wigans, we try to stay nice and solid and I think we have the pace to catch teams on the counter attack.

“It is only early but, if you had offered it to us before the start of the season, we would have taken two wins from three all day long.

“We have got to make our home form count, though, and it will prove important come the end of the season.”

Pugh also heaped praise on in-form striker Lewis Grabban who registered his and Cherries’ fourth goal of the campaign to see off the Latics.

“He has hit a real purple patch and I am delighted for him,” added Pugh.

“Playing football is all about confidence. If you have got the confidence and you are getting goalscoring opportunities then you will tuck them away without even thinking about it. But if you miss one or two, it begins to play on your mind. He doesn’t seem to be missing at the moment and long may that continue.”