CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe watched Lewis Grabban and Yann Kermorgant again come up trumps and then heaped praise on his prolific strike pair.

Grabban and Kermorgant both netted twice as Cherries rounded off their home campaign with a resounding 4-1 win over Championship rivals Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Since starting together for the first time against Doncaster in March, the duo have plundered 18 goals between them – nine each – in just 14 games.

Grabban’s double against Forest took his personal haul for the season to 22, while Kermorgant has hit 17, nine for Cherries and eight for former club Charlton.

Howe said: “It is a really good return from both of them. I have said before that I think Yann has added a different dimension and he is so technically gifted.

“His second goal against Forest, you don’t really see from a 6ft 2in striker who is very good with his head. It was a fantastic finish.

“His overall play and the way he links play and the way he has developed a partnership with Lewis has been really good to see.

“Lewis took his first goal very well and his second was a penalty. His tireless work and attitude off the ball have been real highlights for me this season.

“He will be really pleased with 22 goals so far, especially when you consider he has got more in the Championship than he did in League One. It is a terrific achievement considering some of the players he has been up against.”

Discussing the performance, Howe added: “I thought we were excellent for the first 15 to 20 minutes. It was high tempo and quick passing and the only thing missing at that point was a goal.

“I felt we then became a little desperate to score but, once we got the first goal, we didn’t look back and I thought it was another really good home performance against a very good side.”