EDDIE Howe should take up poker. He could be a real card sharp.

Pragmatic and phlegmatic in equal measure, he never gives anything away.

He is learning quickly. As manager of AFC Bournemouth, the lows always seem to outweigh the highs.

However, as first-day-back-at-the-office encounters go, this was right up there with the best of them.

It was one of those occasions that will live long in the memory of Cherries’ loyal band of travelling supporters. Encouragingly, they are becoming more common under Howe’s stewardship.

It was different from the memorable smash-and-grab win at Dagenham in February. It was far more clinical.

It was also different from the epic 3-1 triumph at Exeter in March. It was a much more complete performance.

And while it might not have been as defining as the 2-1 victory over Grimsby in late April, it was certainly more comprehensive.

It was certainly a lot better than the listless 1-0 defeat at the same venue in March, since which, Howe’s troops have scored 15 and conceded only three in seven games, five of them wins.

Last season’s lingering chants of “we are staying up” were replaced by choruses of “we are going up” as Howe’s troops received the deserved adulation of their followers at the final whistle.

Premature maybe, but, on the evidence of this polished performance, the class of 2009 could really be going places. Say it quietly and out of earshot of Howe though.

Quite rightly, and although he was quick to give credit where it was due, Howe was also keen to play down his team’s chances.

It was as if he was sitting pretty with a full house, hoping his opponent would not produce a royal flush.

As it transpired, the best Bury boss Alan Knill could muster was a low pair.

“It was a good start,” said Howe following Cherries’ first opening-day victory for 10 years – since he scored the winner in a 2-1 success over Cambridge United.

“If anybody had offered me a 3-0 win, of course I would have bitten off their hand. But as I said to the players afterwards, we can’t let it be one result in isolation.

“There is a long way to go and we’re not getting carried away because there is a lot of hard work ahead.”

With his squad short on numbers and his hands tied by an ongoing transfer embargo, Howe was right to err on the side of caution. However, neither |deficiency handicapped Cherries as they enjoyed a walk in the park.

Scott Guyett, without a start since early January, stepped in seamlessly to the heart of defence after Ryan Garry had failed a late test on a dead leg. His assured display would have heartened Howe, particularly as Cherries’ defensive options are his biggest nemesis.

After weathering a brief early storm, Guyett and co ensured Bury’s performance would be as garish as their brown and light blue shirts. Some home supporters even wore replicas.

With Liam Feeney and Brett Pitman both requiring treatment from physio Steve Hard in the opening 15 minutes, Howe probably held his breath.

A sarcastic wag in the Main Stand perhaps should have held his tongue after questioning Pitman’s resolve as the “southern softie” regained his composure following a heavy challenge from Efe Sodje.

The young Channel Islander, riddled with flu symptoms, exacted the ideal riposte when he netted a spectacular opening goal in the 15th minute.

From then on, it was mainly one-way traffic.

With Sammy Igoe spraying passes around like confetti and Liam Feeney’s pace reducing Bury left-back David Buchanan to a quivering wreck, Cherries were dominant.

And if Anton Robinson was not snapping at the heels of the Bury midfield then Mark Molesley was. Sometimes, both would join in the fun as the Shakers were never allowed to settle.

Robinson’s headed second goal seven minutes before the break was an excellent team effort, with Igoe and Pitman the architects. Curiously, the goal was credited to Steve Fletcher, even by the BBC on their new Newcastle United show on a Saturday evening. “Any emails about that, Lizzie?”

Molesley’s indefatigable display was epitomised shortly after he had extended Cherries’ lead with a thunderous strike in the 50th minute.

Having beaten Bury goalkeeper Wayne Brown all ends up from just inside the 18-yard box, Molesley then popped up at left-back chasing down Danny Racchi. It spoke volumes of the 28-year-old’s desire and commitment.

Bury were dead and...

“Easy, easy!” bellowed the Cherries supporters before chants of “we are top of the league” and “the Reds are going up” soon followed.

As he left the pitch to be replaced by Jeff Goulding, Steve Fletcher, who should have won a penalty after he had been shoved in the first half, responded to a home fan mimicking a donkey by reminding him of the score.

“It’s not my fault we’re rubbish,” came the retort.

Howe, meanwhile, watched on from the dugout, and, like his players, never looked like giving anything away as Cherries took the pot.