BOSS Eddie Howe was left to rue a “hugely disappointing first-half performance” as Cherries crashed out of the FA Cup at their first hurdle last night.

Goals from Sam Morsy, Dan Burn and Callum Elder earned Wigan victory in the third-round replay at the DW Stadium, setting up a fourth-round tie against West Ham.

It was the second time in successive seasons Cherries had lost 3-0 to League One opposition, having gone out to Millwall 12 months previously.

Speaking about Cherries’ first-half showing, Howe said: “We weren’t ourselves, we didn’t get going and gifted them possession too many times.

“That was the main problem with our first-half performance – we were very wasteful with possession which was very unlike us. It was a tough watch.

“I thought we were a lot better in the second half and created a number of chances and, at 1-0 and with the number of opportunities we had, we should have found a way back into the game but didn’t and got punished at the end.

“At that stage of the game, we were 1-0 down and I thought we were much better. We had a better look about us and created so many chances that we didn’t take and got caught with two quick goals which was hugely frustrating because I felt we were going to go on and win the game.

“Suddenly, the scoreline had a really negative reflection to it which I felt was harsh in the end but we have to accept it and put it down to our first-half performance.”

Asked whether he had regretted making eight changes to his starting line-up, Howe replied: “No, not at all. You look at the players I picked. In the main, they are regular Premier League players who have done so well for the club over a long period of time.

“We didn’t take any major risks with the team selection and Wigan made changes as well so that is no excuse for us.”

Almost 500 Cherries supporters made the arduous midweek trip and Howe said: “I feel bitterly disappointed for them.

“It was never our intention, of course, to lose and lose in the manner we did. I feel for them and the money and time they spent, as I always do with the away fans.

“It’s a quick turnaround in games for us now and we have to focus on West Ham and, hopefully, we can get a better result and performance.”