STRIKE partner Steve Fletcher is hoping Cherries can keep hold of Brett Pitman – and he believes the prized asset could continue rewriting the record books if he stays at Dean Court.

Pitman, who has been linked with higher-level clubs throughout the season, enhanced his burgeoning reputation with another fine strike on Saturday.

The Daily Echo/Micky Cave supporters’ player of the season’s opener secured him a place in Cherries history as Eddie Howe’s men hammered Port Vale 4-0 in front of a sell-out home crowd.

His 28th goal of the season – on his 100th league start – saw the 22-year-old join Luther Blissett in 10th place in the club’s list of all-time league goalscorers on 56.

Pitman’s 26th basement division goal of the campaign also drew him level with Colin Clarke’s tally from 1986, with one more needed to become the club’s leading league scorer since the legendary Ted MacDougall.

Cherries’ leading appearance-maker Fletcher, who knows all about breaking records, believes Pitman could etch his name in Dean Court folklore if he remains in Dorset.

“It’s a fantastic achievement for him and if he stays here another few seasons he’ll probably pass me,” said the 37-year-old, who is ranked third in the goalscoring charts on 95.

“It’s great for him and I just hope he stays with us for a couple more seasons. If he passes my goals and appearances, then brilliant.

“Records are there to be broken and, if Brett stays here long enough, he’ll surpass everybody because he’s a 20 goals-a-season man.

“Every goal he’s scored this season has been different class. He doesn’t score two-yard tap-ins – he is capable of doing it – but he just seems to score fantastic goals.

“You could do a top 10 of goals this season and Brett would probably have eight of them.”

Pitman’s 53rd-minute effort opened the floodgates as impressive Cherries continued the promotion party at the Valiants’ expense to move above Rochdale into second place.

Delighted to make an impact off the bench, Alan Connell also had words of praise for the club’s leading marksman.

When asked about Pitman joining the hall of fame, Connell said: “It’s a frightening statistic.

“I’ve never quite met a goalscorer like him. When he has the ball within 20 yards of goal, you just want him to shoot because you know what he can do.

“To score that many goals so early in his career is phenomenal. He deserved the player-of-the-year award because you can’t underestimate the amount of goals he’s scored.”