TARGETED by the boo boys and dubbed an “impact player” just 12 months ago, Brett Pitman wasn’t exactly the darling of Court">Dean Court.

But almost a year to the day after being jeered by a small section of his own fans, the talented 21-year-old is enjoying a love affair with the Cherries faithful which looks like continuing for quite some time.

Pitman’s rise from enigmatic prospect to consistent match-winner has been a rapid one and his status as one of the club’s key players was reinforced with yet another superb contribution in this clash.

The talented forward produced a moment of sheer quality to light up this otherwise dull encounter and keep Cherries on top of League Two.

While most of the players on the pitch wouldn’t have even considered the option of firing goalwards, there were probably no others present who could have done so with such a sensational outcome.

Receiving the ball from Alan Connell, Pitman teed it up perfectly and, with a swift swing of his magical right foot, sent the ball dipping and swerving past Burton’s helpless goalkeeper Artur Krysiak and into the net.

Dean Court erupted and Cherries’ players raced to congratulate their gifted goalscorer.

But adulation has not always been so readily forthcoming for Pitman, a striker whose skills were nurtured through Cherries’ youth system.

Cut to September 27, 2008 and Cherries’ home victory over Darlington. The Channel Islander’s arrival as an 82nd-minute substitute for Darren Anderton was greeted with boos from a small minority of the home fans.

He went on to net a last-minute goal before being labelled an “impact player” by then manager Jimmy Quinn.

A year on, he has certainly had quite an impact and it shows how far the now prolific striker has come that he is probably the first name on the team sheet when Eddie Howe sharpens his pencil on a Saturday morning.

“It was a fantastic strike and Brett is capable of that,” said the Cherries boss when asked about Pitman’s latest masterpiece.

“He is capable of the unexpected and he’s a match-winner.”

While he has always had the talent, some supporters questioned his work rate when things weren’t going to plan.

But the Pitman seen under Howe’s leadership has been a different animal.

The skills and ability to do things few others at this level of football can match remain. But the team ethic and willingness to graft when not getting the rub of the green are now also clearly evident.

Judging by the response to his wonderful goal on Saturday, Pitman has won over his critics, and deservedly so.

Since Howe took the reins, the young frontman has been as big a reason as any behind Cherries’ successful run. Six league goals this season – and 19 in total since Quinn’s departure – illustrate an excellent return.

The latest of that collection was possibly the best of the lot, but it was very much out of place in a largely disappointing game.

Cherries were second best for long periods, perhaps missing the infectious energy and drive of injured midfielder Mark Molesley, as Burton produced an impressive display, particularly in the first half.

Robin Shroot could have fired them into an early lead, but for a combination of Shwan Jalal and Jason Pearce blocking his low effort.

Richard Walker also called Jalal into action with a low effort while, at the other end, Krysiak was enjoying his afternoon in the south coast sunshine.

Cherries improved after the break but it was the Brewers who had the best opportunities as the game neared its conclusion, substitute Greg Pearson twice failing to open the scoring when presented with decent chances.

Krysiak’s quiet day was finally disturbed when Steve Fletcher powerfully met Liam Feeney’s cross, but the Brewers keeper showed himself to be wide awake when he produced a fantastic save to claw the ball to safety when it seemed destined for his top corner.

It was left to Pitman to make the most telling contribution in front of a bumper 6,327-strong crowd, giving those who opted to turn out and watch the league leaders something to talk about on their way home.

His sensational volley ensured Cherries rewrote the record books to claim the club’s best start since joining the Football League in 1923.

Cherries, with their threadbare squad and a bench which included 16-year-old schoolboy Jayden Stockley as one of just three substitutes, are now four points clear at the summit after eight wins from nine matches.

But delighted as he surely is under a calm exterior, Howe gave the sort of sensible and level-headed response he has become renowned for.

“The boring man that I am, my thoughts go straight to Hereford and who we have got fit,” he said.

And no wonder, with his injury list growing by the day. But at least with Pitman in Cherries’ ranks, there should be no shortage of goals.