Bournemouth returned to the top of the Championship as a first-half hat-trick from Brett Pitman fired them to a thumping 4-0 win over rock-bottom Blackpool.

The home side had the first opening of the game as Pitman collected the ball outside the penalty area, but the striker could only fire well over the crossbar.

However, Pitman found the net minutes later to put his side into the lead. He was put through into the box with a through ball, and he was able to turn his man before burying a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Bournemouth came within inches of doubling their lead when Matt Ritchie delivered a dangerous set piece into the penalty area, but Tommy Elphick could only head his effort over the bar.

Pitman notched his second goal of the game when he latched onto Ritchie's deflected shot and managed to lift the ball over Elliot Parish and into the net.

The striker completed his hat-trick in the 39th minute when he was found unmarked in the penalty area, and he managed to maintain his composure to beat Parish with a right-footed strike.

Eddie Howe's side put the game out of sight for the visitors when Marc Pugh was tripped in the box and a penalty was awarded. Callum Wilson took the spot kick and fired the ball past Parish into the net.

Pitman had a great opportunity to notch his fourth goal of the game when Ritchie's pinpoint cross found him in the area, but he blasted his strike on the volley over the bar.

Adam Smith had the chance to wrap up the victory in style late in the game when he was played through on goal, but Parish denied the defender with a good block with his body to keep the scoreline down.