CHERRIES star Harry Arter edged a step closer to reaching his goal target for the season and then admitted his record could be better.

Arter was on the scoresheet as Eddie Howe’s men maintained their promotion push with victory over League One strugglers Bury on Saturday.

The midfielder’s thunderous second-half strike against the Shakers brought his tally for the campaign to seven and saw him pass last season’s haul.

Arter, who registered his first career goal during a loan spell at Carlisle two years ago, has scored 13 times for Cherries in 94 appearances.

He told the Daily Echo: “Everybody wants to score more goals and I think my record could be better.

“I look at other midfielders in the division and they are getting 10 or more, although a lot of them are on penalties. I am sure I would have reached double figures by now if I was taking penalties.

“It is quite tough for a central midfielder to score from open play, especially when you play in a midfield two. I don’t have an advanced role and I am not playing in the hole behind the strikers. I have a lot of defensive duties that I feel I take up quite well.

“When I get forward and find myself in a position to score, I feel I have an eye for goal. I have passed last season’s tally and now I want to get to double figures. That is what I set out to do at the start of every season and, although there are only six games left, I have still got a chance.”

Arter was one of four different names on the scoresheet against Bury as the 4-1 triumph saw Cherries reclaim their record as the highest goalscorers in the division. Brett Pitman, who opened the scoring against the Shakers, joined Lewis Grabban on 13 goals for the season.

“We have got players in every position who can score,” said Arter. “We have got two really good strikers and it is important we all chip in. We can’t put too much pressure on Brett and Grabbs so we all need to contribute.”

Arter has played a pivotal role in Cherries’ recent revival, the Londoner having been restored to the starting line-up at Stevenage a fortnight ago after missing the defeats against Orient and Doncaster due to suspension.

He added: “I don’t think it was a case of just sticking me straight back in at Stevenage because there were tactical reasons behind it. I was grateful to the manager for putting me in and just want to give my all for him and the team.

“With the position we are in and so few games to go, we all have to play every game as if it is our last.

“If we suffer a defeat and the teams around us win, it could put us out of it. We need to keep winning and, with a bit of luck, the teams around us might slip up.”