ON THIS DAY – APRIL 6 2013

EDDIE Howe saw Cherries mark Grand National day by extending their lead in second place and then said he felt their rivals were still favourites in the race for automatic League One promotion.

Matt Ritchie’s double sandwiched Brett Pitman’s 16th goal of the season as Cherries went five points clear of the chasing pack after registering a 3-1 victory over Notts County.

A sixth successive win helped Cherries capitalise on draws for Brentford and Sheffield United, while leaders Doncaster maintained pole position with a 1-0 triumph over Tranmere.

The four teams below Cherries – Yeovil, Brentford, Sheffield United and Swindon – all have games in hand on Howe’s men and the Bees and the Blades could overhaul them.

MK Dons, currently 10th, could draw level on points with Cherries.

Howe, speaking after Cherries had all but at least guaranteed a play-off place, told the Daily Echo: “I still put the other teams as favourites against us because they have games in hand.

“They are the masters of their destiny and we are still reliant on them. They are in the driving seat and we have got to carry on trying to win.”

Cherries: Allsop, Francis, Cook, Elphick, Daniels, Ritchie, O’Kane (MacDonald, 76), Arter, Pugh (Fogden, 87), Tubbs (Grabban, 70), Pitman. Unused subs: McQuoid, Seaborne, R Hughes, Jalal (g/k).

Attendance: 7,551 (including 293 visiting supporters).

Referee: David Phillips (West Sussex).