MARC Pugh netted twice as Cherries continued their remarkable revival under Eddie Howe by dishing out a hammering to Carlisle this afternoon.

In another goal-laden thriller, Cherries made it four matches unbeaten since Howe’s return with a clinical attacking display at Brunton Park.

They led 2-1 at the interval after goals from talented winger Pugh arrived either side of Liam Noble’s 18th-minute equaliser.

And Cherries ensured the points in a dominant start to the second half which saw Lewis Grabban and Lee Barnard extend the advantage within 15 minutes of the restart.

Substitute David Symington’s fierce drive gave the hosts hope of staging an unlikely comeback but there was no way back as Cherries’ formidable form continued.

Boss Howe two changes to the team which drew 3-3 at Notts County on Tuesday. Charlie Daniels returned from suspension to fill his usual left-back berth, with fit-again Grabban partnering Barnard in attack. Both Steve Cook and Donal McDermott dropped to the bench.

And having avoided the arduous coach journey by jetting to the north on Friday, Cherries enjoyed a flying start under bright blue skies in Cumbria.

The opening goal, which came on eight minutes, owed much to the composure of Pugh and a defensive slip from Frank Simek. After Harry Arter had hit an accurate long ball following a quick free-kick, Simek failed to deal with the danger, allowing Pugh to advance, draw keeper Mark Gillespie and then coolly fire into an unguarded net.

The hosts responded quickly and David James saved well from Paul Thirlwell before, at the other end, Shaun MacDonald’s acrobatic volley flew over from distance.

Carlisle were looking threatening, particularly down the left, and when they equalised it came following good work on that productive flank. With Cherries down to 10 men as Tommy Elphick received treatment for a nose injury, Carlisle profited by winning a free-kick. Cherries failed to clear James Berrett’s inswinging delivery and Noble made no mistake with the loose ball from 12 yards.

Barnard and Arter both missed with chances following a trademark Cherries corner routine.

But Howe’s men did regain the lead on 31 minutes after Pugh had again given Simek a torrid time. The skilful winger turned the right-back inside out before hammering home from the narrowest of angles, his low drive proving too hot to handle for keeper Gillespie.

James got off his line quickly to block Joe Garner’s shot as Greg Abbott’s team carved out a clear-cut opportunity.

Under pressure in the closing stages of the half, Cherries managed to retain their advantage going into the break.

And the men from Dorset came out firing after the interval to seal victory. After good work from Barnard, Grabban kept his composure to slot home. Barnard then went from provider to finisher as his heavily-deflected 20-yard dive left Gillespie firmly rooted to the spot.

Substitute Symington left James with no chance as he lashed home a fierce effort with 14 minutes remaining, but fast-improving Cherries were not to be denied.

Carlisle: (4-3-3) Gillespie; Simek, Murphy, Edwards (Livesey, 54), Chantler; Noble, Thirlwell (Symington, h-t), Berrett; Cadamarteri (Beck, 71), Garner, Robson. Unused subs: Welsh, Potts, Higginbotham, Collin (g/k).

Booked: Berrett

Cherries: (4-4-2) James; Francis, Addison, Elphick, Daniels; McQuoid (Tubbs, 83), MacDonald, Arter, Pugh; Grabban (Fletcher, 90), Barnard (O’Kane, 77). Unused subs: Cook, Partington, McDermott, Jalal (g/k).

Booked: Addison, Francis, Pugh

Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire)

Attendance: 4.050 (including 156 away fans)