CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe directed the praise towards his players for sweeping aside another banana skin and protecting his unblemished cup record against lower-league opposition.

On a night of League Cup drama for the likes of Aston Villa, Stoke and West Brom, Cherries never looked in danger of an upset during last night’s consummate 4-0 triumph at League Two Hartlepool United.

The romp maintained Howe’s 100 per cent record against clubs from lower divisions since his return in October 2012, with a whopping 18 goals rattled home in six cup clashes against Dagenham & Redbridge, Portsmouth, Burton, Exeter, Northampton and Pools.

Only once in that time has Howe experienced a cup defeat to a team from the same level – a 2-0 League Cup setback at Watford in August 2013 – but the Vitality Stadium boss insists his squad deserve all the credit.

Howe, who changed his entire starting XI at Victoria Park, told the Daily Echo: “We don’t have a recipe that guarantees us anything but what we ask of the players is to be professional, respect the opposition and make sure we approach it in the same way we would a league game.

“A lot of that comes down to us, making sure we prepare in the same way and give the players the information they need on the teams, but you still need the group to roll up their sleeves and know the importance of the game.

“The really pleasing thing from our perspective was that to a man, the players did that.

“The mentality was very good. We knew it would be a tough place to come and that it would be a difficult game for us if we didn’t get that side of it right.

“We were focused and determined to get the result and I think that showed. There were a number of good performances and it was good to see the goals shared around.

“We picked up one or two knocks with Yann (Kermorgant) and (Adam) Smithy having to come off but hopefully, everyone has come through without serious injury and more ready to play fitness wise.”

Meanwhile, it was a special night for 18-year-old youth graduate Matt Butcher, who made his professional debut by coming on for the final 13 minutes of the clash.  

“We wanted to get Matt some game time as reward for how well he has done,” added Howe.

“I think he has been excellent during pre-season and this season so far, not just in training but in the games he has played.

“You always look at how young players react when you give them an opportunity and that is one of the strengths of Butch.

“The first thing he did was play a positive pass into our number 10 and I was delighted with how he approached the game.

“There were some really positive signs from him and it was nice to give him his debut. He is a player of real potential.”