SUPER Sammy Igoe experienced a bitter-sweet comeback after putting Cherries on course for FA Cup glory and then suffering another potential injury setback.

Igoe marked his return from an eight-week layoff by bagging Cherries’ opening goal during their emphatic first-round victory at Chesterfield yesterday.

His eighth-minute strike cancelled out Jack Lester’s effort before two goals from Alan Connell earned Eddie Howe’s men a 3-1 win and a place in the hat for today’s second round draw.

But Igoe, who had been sidelined due to bone bruising in his right knee, was forced off midway through the second half after sustaining a deep gash to his shin on the same leg.

The midfielder was the victim of a poor challenge by Chesterfield’s on-loan defender Mark Little – who was booked for the foul and then later sent off for a second yellow card.

Igoe, who required five stitches to the wound, told the Daily Echo: “It was frustrating more than anything. I was disappointed to come off when I did, especially after being out for eight weeks.

“The lad had also caught me in the first half, which I wasn’t happy about, although there was nothing malicious about his tackles. He was just slower than me!

“The bone bruising still hasn’t cleared up and I’m due to have another scan to see what can be done.”

Igoe added: “We knew Chesterfield had the best home record in the league and knew it wouldn’t be an easy game. We also felt we owed them one after they beat us at home so to come here and win was fantastic.”

Cherries maintained their impressive record in the first round as boss Howe celebrated his debut as a manager in the FA Cup by overseeing a convincing victory.

Howe said: “It was a really good performance. The work-rate, application and all the things you need to win a game were in evidence. The lads worked extremely hard from back to front and deserved to win.

“I was fearful after we had gone behind and it wasn’t the ideal start. But, again, the players showed great resilience because they didn’t let it affect them. We equalised straight away and, for the remainder of the first half, passed the ball and kept it well.

“We knew Chesterfield would come at us in the second half. They changed their formation but didn’t really cut us open. They had a lot of possession, mainly in their own half, and we defended really well to keep their chances to a minimum.”

Discussing Igoe’s display, Howe said: “Sammy is a great pro and a very fit guy. He has missed quite a bit of football recently but has looked very bright in training. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that he has been like a breath of fresh air and hasn’t looked like he’s been away.

“I thought he was exceptional against Chesterfield. His knee is a little sore and he’s got a bad cut on his shin. It’s too early to say whether he will be fit for next week but hopefully he will.”

• The draw for the second round takes place this afternoon and will be broadcast live on ITV following the first-round tie between Northwich Victoria and Charlton. Cherries are ball number four.