Bournemouth have taken a 3-0 lead in at half time against Hartlepool United in the second round of the League Cup at Victoria Park this evening.

The Premier League visitors nearly had the lead inside the first two minutes when winger Christian Atsu struck the ball against the underside of the crossbar with a left-footed effort.

The Cherries had another chance shortly after Astu's effort, and it was Adam Smith who couldn't get the shot on target after a clever chip from Lee Tomlin.

Eddie Howe's side were dominating proceedings, but the hosts did well to limit their Premier League visitors to anything clear cut after Atsu's attempt, and Junior Stanislas saw a goal-bound effort well blocked by the Hartlepool defence before the half-hour mark.

Stand-in Hartlepool goalkeeper Adam Bartlett then did well to deny Stanislas's powerful effort on 28 minutes as Bournemouth pressed for the opening goal.

However, Ronnie Moore's side's resistance was eventually broken on the half-hour mark when Yann Kermogant converted Stanislas's cutback from close range.

Former Everton youngster Dan Gosling doubled Bournemouth's lead when he blasted home from the edge of the box after a neat backheel from Tomlin.

Stanislas then made it 3-0 on the cusp of half time with a free kick from around 25 yards.