CHERRIES winger Marcus Tavernier admitted that he was disappointed not to pick up a hat-trick in his side’s 3-1 triumph over Sheffield United.

Former Middlesbrough man Tavernier was the star turn for Cherries up in Yorkshire, opening scores on 12 minutes.

Justin Kluivert doubled the away side’s lead on the stroke of half-time at Bramall Lane, before Tavernier made sure of the result with his second early into the final 45 minutes.

Tavernier had spurned a glorious opportunity to double his tally in the first period, blasting over Antoine Semenyo’s cutback, with the wideman constantly troubling the Sheffield United backline during 82 minutes on the pitch.

The winger led the way with six attempts on goal, scoring twice and forcing three saves out of Blades keeper Wes Foderingham.

His double at the weekend opened his tally for the campaign, having gone 10 matches without scoring this term.

Last year he managed five strikes in 23 appearances, becoming a crucial provider in Cherries’ battle for survival.

Despite Tavernier’s drought, Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola had commented how he felt his charge was close to breaking his duck.

Speaking before the Sheffield United game, Iraola had told the Daily Echo: “What we need from this second line is probably a little bit more contribution.

“But they are arriving, they are having chances.

“It's a matter of time until Tavs (Marcus Tavernier) scores because he's having the chances.

“He's making the good decisions. And I trust their level. So I'm pretty confident they will add goals.”

Asked if the head coach had been telling him the same things, Tavernier replied to the Daily Echo: “He's just been telling me to keep doing the same things, and I can't get too focused upon on them moments.

“It brings pressure to myself, but I feel I've been feeling relaxed, and that's the best thing for an attacking player when you come in those moments.

“I'm just disappointed I couldn't get three goals today, but overall I can be happy to score two.”

With an abundance of wide players, Iraola has picked up a habit of refreshing the flanks of his team at around the hour mark during games.

Whilst Tavernier was afforded an extra 20 minutes to complete his hat-trick, he too eventually made way, with David Brooks playing the final eight minutes against his former team.

“It kind of comes in,” the 24-year-old replied when asked if the prospect of being subbed off after 60 minutes was in the back of his mind.

“You do think of it a little bit, but at the same time it's for the benefit of the team.

“I knew I was getting tired and other players can come on and make a bigger difference than what I'm producing at that moment, so I have no complaints for that.”