The Cherries got back to winning ways with a hard fought and deserved win at Crewe.  Rhoys Wiggins made his first appearance for the side since Morecambe away at the end of last season, and was part of a great team effort to gain three massive points.  Also starting was Marvin Bartley, but he was forced off late on with a calf injury.

The Cherries started brightly and were quickly on the front foot, dominating the early stages.  Brett Pitman and Steve Fletcher were a constant threat up front and caused the Alex defence a number of anxious moments.  Pitman had a snap shot blocked and Liam Feeney also came close after his initial strike was blocked.

The Cherries took a deserved lead on 21 minutes.  Lee Bradbury saw an effort cleared off the line and from the corner taken by Pitman, Fletcher headed home.  Pitman then came close with a speculative effort  before the home side finally started to get in to the game. 

The dangerous Joel Grant was closely monitored by the excellent Cherries defence, but he did manage to get free, but was denied by a fine save from Shwan Jalal.  Jalal made an even better save soon after to prevent the 16 goal Calvin Zola from getting on the score sheet.

A scrappy start to the second half followed, but it was the Cherries who doubled their advantage.  Fletcher headed the ball down for Pitman who saw his shot saved  by Steve Phillips, but Anton Robinson was on hand to slot the ball home.

There was no chance for Bournemouth to relax though as Murphy replied for the hosts within three minutes.  Crewe then threw everything at Bournemouth, but the side held out superb;y, and countered well, with Pitman unlucky not to add to his impressive tally this season.

Five minutes were added at the end with half chances at both end, but the final whistle went and 222 Cherries supporters and the players could celebrate a vital three points.