Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe lauded Brett Pitman's heroics following his side's comfortable 4-0 win over Blackpool at Dean Court.

Pitman scored a first-half hat-trick inside 40 minutes as the Cherries condemned the Tangerines to a fifth consecutive defeat.

The home side dominated from start to finish to secure their third straight victory and regain top spot in the Sky Bet Championship on goal difference.

Howe said: “We were everyone's banker of the day and that added pressure, but the players were professional.

“Brett has scored goals all over his career. He took his goals very well and it is no surprise to us.”

Pitman was afforded time and space to run past a sea of Blackpool players before slotting past goalkeeper Elliot Parish and he then scored two goals in 120 seconds to complete the perfect hat-trick after 39 minutes.

Bournemouth secured victory four minutes into the second-half when Andrea Orlandi fouled winger Marc Pugh inside the box, with top-scorer Callum Wilson stepping up to score his 19th of the season from the resulting spot-kick.

Howe – whose men had won 6-1 at Blackpool in December – added: “The unselfishness he (Pitman) showed in letting Callum take the penalty was great to see.

“The designated penalty-taker was Brett but Callum showed a real desire to take it.

“Brett more than played his part with the goals and was considerate enough to let him take it.

“I knew Brett in the youth team as a young lad and he has always had a knack of scoring goals.

“He has never lost that ability but he has added a lot to his game and he has more than just goals."

The Tangerines - the lowest scorers in the division - failed to register a single shot on target.

Blackpool boss Lee Clark said: “I said earlier in the season that they are the best team in the division. They possess quality all over the pitch.

“I hope Eddie, his team and staff become successful because they will become a real credit to the Premier League next season.”