BOSS Eddie Howe declared Wigan “a big scalp” after witnessing his side claim a comfortable 2-0 win at Dean Court.

A goal in each half from Yann Kermorgant and Simon Francis handed Cherries victory against an out-of-form visiting side.

And Howe spoke of his delight at the result, which ended a run of six Championship games without a win.

He told the Daily Echo: “I’m really happy because I don’t think you can underestimate beating Wigan - I think it’s a real achievement.

“They are a former Premier League team and were FA Cup winners not so long ago, so it’s a big scalp, and to do it in the manner we did was very pleasing.

“It could have been more. We were knocking at the door and thankfully we scored a good goal. It was a great cross from Matt Ritchie and a good header from Yann at the back post.

“We have recently led at half-time and not won, so in the second half it was a really good test of whether the players had the character to come through that situation, and thankfully they did.

“I didn’t feel our goal was ever under pressure. We respect Wigan and their players but I felt we were pretty comfortable.”

Howe had spoken of the need for the home fans to create a partisan atmosphere and said he felt his call had been answered.

The boss added: “I thought the fans more than played their part in the victory. It was great to see them help us over the line at the end and you could see how much it meant to everyone to get a win.

“You need to win your home games and be as competitive as you can, and hopefully we sent the supporters home happy.”