IN-FORM Brett Pitman is hoping for a repeat performance as he looks to help Cherries make a fast start to life in League Two.

Pitman is expected to get the nod when Kevin Bond's men open their campaign against Gillingham at Dean Court this afternoon (3pm).

The 20-year-old striker has been in a rich vein of form during Cherries' warm-up campaign, netting six times in as many games.

Pitman also helped Cherries stop the rot last season when his winner against the Gills in December halted a nine-match winless home league run.

The Channel Islander, who penned a new contract in the summer, reaped his rewards during pre-season after returning hungry and eager.

Pitman told the Daily Echo: "It's nice to score during pre-season but I know I'll be judged on how many I score in the league.

"The main things about pre-season are building up your fitness and getting through without any injuries, which I managed to do.

"For a striker, playing well and scoring goals go hand in hand. If I maintain a high level of performance and keep my place, it should mean I'm scoring goals.

"But I don't set myself any targets. First and foremost, I play for the team and anything else I do as an individual is a bonus.

"I did okay against Gillingham last season and it would be great if we could make a winning start because we know we must avoid another start like last season."

Pitman also appears to have beefed up over the summer, which should stand him in good stead for the possibility of a few bruising encounters he may face this season.

But he joked: "I come up against Jason Pearce in training every day so I'm used to getting kicked!"

He added: "I've started to go to the gym more often but haven't done anything special to build myself up. I know I need to get stronger but I'm still growing.

"We're preparing for a few of the teams in League Two to be a bit more physical but not many of us have played in it before so it's hard to say how it will be. We will still try to keep passing the ball and won't change that.

"Training has certainly been more competitive this year so that should help us.

"The lads are determined to do well. We finished well last sea- son and are looking to carry that on."

n Cherries season ticket holders will be able to collect their cards for the new season from the ticket office prior to this afternoon's match against Gillingham.