LEWIS Grabban admitted he was determined to prove his long-term Championship class after he had ended his goal drought with a dream opening-day double.

The Cherries striker netted for the first time since February as his brilliant brace secured a deserved 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic at a packed Dean Court.

Grabban, who hit 13 goals during his debut campaign in Dorset, had gone 14 games without getting on the scoresheet during Cherries' promotion run-in last term.

But that lean spell was quickly forgotten when Grabban handed Cherries an ideal start on their second tier return with a textbook headed effort on 26 minutes.

Yann Kermorgant levelled for Charlton three minutes after the break but Grabban sealed victory when he unleashed a 25-yard rocket in the 66th minute, with the Addicks finishing with 10 men following Bradley Pritchard's late red card.

Grabban, 25, is now aiming to avoid a return to the lower leagues by showing his Championship credentials on a regular basis.

Discussing the level, he said: “Before this season, I had a few games at Crystal Palace and Millwall.

“We have only got a few players who are really established Championship players and for everyone in the squad, I think that is the aim.

“I don't think anyone wants to return to League One and everyone wants to stay in the Championship, if not higher. Everyone has their own personal aim of doing well this season.”

Asked if his goal drought had played on his mind, Grabban replied: “Not really because you still have to play well and perform for the team.

“To be able to get a win is more important than getting goals but, individually, it is nice to score.

“I am only concentrating on the present. As long as we are getting the win as a team and going well, that is the main objective.”

After winning promotion from League One last season, Cherries returned to the second tier for the first time since 1990. More than 10,000 supporters attended Saturday's clash and Grabban revealed that Cherries' players had understood the importance of the occasion.

The former Rotherham frontman added: “For the club, it was massive. I think every player realised how big the occasion was for the club and tried to produce, which we did. It is early doors so we will just carry on grafting week in, week out, and see where it takes us.”