RHOYS Wiggins was the star of the show as Cherries eased past Dagenham and Redbridge to go third in League One this afternoon.

The left-back set up Cherries’ opening two goals before the break and then netted a fine third in the second half to complete an exceptional individual performance.

Wiggins, a summer signing from Norwich City, stood out as Eddie Howe’s side turned on the style in front of a delighted Dean Court crowd.

After a cagey opening, skipper Jason Pearce was credited with putting Cherries in front on 38 minutes as he slid in with a Daggers defender to meet a powerful Wiggins cross.

Wiggins was the provider again when Josh McQuoid continued his exceptional form by doubling the lead four minutes later, heading home at the far post after another fine delivery.

And completing the resounding verdict, after an entertaining second-half display, Wiggins struck a brilliant third.

Howe named an unchanged line-up following his side’s impressive performance in the 2-2 draw at Huddersfield, with Shaun Cooper shielding the back four and McQuoid leading the line.

And playmaker Cooper was at the centre of much of the hosts’ best work as Howe’s men looked to impose their free-flowing passing style on the visitors.

The cultured utility man linked play between defence and midfield, prompting some attractive moves but, worryingly for Cherries, they struggled to break down John Still’s well organised side in the opening exchanges.

And it was Daggers who created the game’s first goalscoring opportunities, despite spending much of the early stages on the back foot.

On 20 minutes, Gavin Tomlin saw a fierce drive blocked by Ryan Garry after bursting clear down the right channel, before the same player forced Jalal into a straightforward save from 20 yards.

In what was developing into an increasingly tight contest, Daggers’ veteran keeper Tony Roberts was called into action in the 26th minute, doing well to bravely palm clear at the feet of Marvin Bartley after he had been sent clear by a fine McQuoid through ball.

Daggers should have taken the lead shortly after, but Tomlin’s header was wayward after a brilliant whipped cross had been delivered by Danny Green.

And they were made to pay when Cherries changed the face of the game by striking twice in the space of four minutes.

On 38 minutes, after Daggers had cleared a corner, Cooper found Wiggins on the right with a pinpoint pass and his driven cross was turned home from close range by Pearce.

And the impressive Wiggins again played a crucial role when Cherries doubled their advantage. The left-back dispossessed Green on halfway, raced towards the byline and sent over an excellent cross, which McQuoid headed home at the far post for his fifth goal in four starts.

Cherries began the second half at a high tempo, with midfield duo Robinson and Bartley providing a solid platform with their tireless work in the engine room.

And the hosts were rewarded with a majestic third 10 minutes after the interval.

A flowing move saw Bradbury find Wiggins flying down the left. And the former Crystal Palace and Norwich City defender took a touch to compose himself before sending a sweet shot across Roberts from just inside the penalty area.

Cherries were now beginning to really enjoy themselves and they should have made it four on 65 minutes.

Good play from Bartley released Robinson on the right and, after a fine run, he found McQuoid unmarked 12 yards out. But the forward’s golden touch deserted him and he failed to find the target with his left foot.

Cherries were given a warning not to let complacency creep in when Darren Currie’s shot found Josh Scott eight yards out and in space, only for Shwan Jalal to come to the rescue by producing a miraculous save with his outstretched left leg.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and closed out the match comfortably to seal a well-deserved three points.

Cherries: (4-1-4-1) Jalal; Bradbury, Garry (Taylor, 90), Pearce, Wiggins; Cooper; Feeney, Bartley (Arter, 81), Robinson, Pugh; McQuoid (Hollands, 69). Unused subs: Cummings, Stockley, Partington, Fletcher.

Booked: Pugh

Daggers: (4-4-2) Roberts; Ifil, Doe, Arber, McCrory; Green (Scannell, 65), Vincelot, Gain, Currie (Lewis, 74); Scott, Tomlin (Nurse, 63). Unused subs: Lewington, Wilkinson, Bingham, Gwillim.

Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire)

Attendance: 5,501