CHERRIES have always been known for their innovative set-plays and slick routines under boss Eddie Howe.

But when defender Steve Cook looks back at his first career goal in the Football League, that one sequence will always come with added significance.

Seven years ago today, he powered a header into the top corner of the net to register the opening goal against Carlisle.

Cherries’ 3-1 victory over the Cumbrians, coupled with Brentford drawing 1-1 with Hartlepool in the evening kick-off, meant the Dorset club sealed promotion and climbed to the second tier of the English Football pyramid.

Harry Arter and Brett Pitman also struck on April 20, 2013 – as Cherries recorded their eighth win on the spin.

Cook’s goal, assisted by a cross from Simon Francis, is not lost on those playing in the Premier League today – mainly because of the title the routine has been given.

“It was a corner that we had worked on quite a bit,” said the talismanic centre-back, speaking to the Daily Echo for an On This Day Special.

“Actually – to this day – when we do pull it out the archives it’s called the Steve Cook, which is always nice!

“It was a short corner back to Franno, a great ball in and I just timed my run really well. I got a great connection.

“It was surreal really. I always remember – and I always see pictures of Harry Arter strangling me and trying to rip my shirt off me.

“He scored that day and it just shows how much passion we had back then as well.

“For me, the emotion came out in that one goal because it had been a frustrating season for me goal-wise. I always thought I would get a few more than I did.

“To get one and with it being such an important goal as it was as well, it was special for me.”

Cook’s goal capped a remarkable turnaround for Cherries, who had been in the League One relegation zone when Howe returned from Burnley in October 2012, after Paul Groves was relieved of his duties.

“We started the season very poorly and when the manager came in, we went on an unbelievable run”, said the Hastings-born star, who signed for Cherries permanently from Brighton in January 2012, following a fruitful loan spell.

“I don’t think anyone envisaged the special things we have gone on to do but in League One we had a great squad and we were massively underachieving.

“He came in, got everyone together, gave us a purpose as a team, set us up very well and we still have a few players left playing in the Premier League, so it just shows what he has done for individuals, as well as the team.”

Recalling the celebrations after Cherries had officially gone up from League One, Cook said: “It was a strange day because we weren’t 100 per cent sure if we would be promoted.

“We didn’t think all the results would go our way and it turned out to be the day that we did get promoted – which was an amazing feeling.

“I was actually flat sharing with Charlie Sheringham at the time.

“We were watching Brentford. We were all scattered around the town in our houses and what-not.

“When the result came through, a night out was quickly planned.

“Off out we went into Bournemouth town centre – the first meeting point was Smokin’ Aces and we had a great night, from what I can remember!”

Seven years and another memorable promotion on, Cherries at present find themselves 18th in the top flight.

They will be scrapping to ensure their survival at England’s elite level when it is safe to do so, with the season currently suspended amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cook, who is also nursing a hamstring injury sustained in the club’s most recent game against Liverpool on March 7, believes time away from the field has given him a chance to reflect and regroup.

“I have really been enjoying the on this day stuff, especially the ones that I have been involved in,” he said.

“As a footballer, I don’t think you really have a chance to reflect until your career is over, which is a shame sometimes.

“But with this strange period, with the time off – it’s nice to look back and sometimes come to terms with what you have achieved, what you want to do and re-evaluate your goals – and really use this time usefully.

“When we get back playing, we can remember what we have been through to get where we are and try our best to not let it slip away with the season coming to an end.

“I am sure the manager has used his time wisely to think of new ideas, what to do and how to take us to the next level.

“We need to use this period of time, when we are not playing, as an advantage for ourselves.

“We have to realise where we are at, realise what we had to do to get here and we don’t want to throw it all away now.”

CHERRIES’ TEAM v CARLISLE – APRIL 20, 2013

Cherries: Allsop; Francis, Elphick, Cook, Daniels; Ritchie, Arter, O’Kane (Hughes, 67), Pugh; Grabban (MacDonald, 88), Pitman. Unused subs: McQuoid, Seaborne, Fogden, Tubbs, Jalal (g/k).

Attendance: 9,014.

Referee: Mick Russell (Herts).