Frome Town 0 Poole Town 0

Southern Premier League

26 December 2015

The league table doesn't lie and Poole were faced with a Frome team that lacked any sort of threat up front and whose sole ambition was to stop Poole scoring. The fact that Poole didn't score was solely down to incompetence in front of goal and lack of creativity. The conditions played a big part in a dreadful game but the reality was that Poole again should have been two or three up in the first 15 minutes, hitting the post and the bar and forcing two great saves from the Robins' keeper.

After that a familiar pattern emerged with Poole snuffing out most things coming at them in midfield and pressing forward only to see most efforts break up on the edge of the box. It wasn't really a day for pretty football and Burbidge and Dickson hardly got involved in the game so most threats were coming from set pieces. Frome found it relatively easy to defend the predictability and reached half time safely at 0 - 0.

We hoped for some festive cheer in the second half and you couldn't fault Poole for effort but they just didn't have the guile to beat the defenders. As the half wore on Frome gained confidence and mounted a few lightening attacks which got the crowd behind the goal excited but were dealt with well by the Poole defence. When Gillespie came on it was immediately obvious what was missing. He ran on to a ball over the top and won it against heavy pressure from a defender. Shooting early from the edge of the area he beat the keeper but saw the ball hit the far post and bounce away harmlessly.

This was a game best forgotten quickly for a number of reasons. I go to many away matches, some are good places to go and some not so good but I can honestly say that Frome is the place that I look forward to going to least. If you go to football matches you expect to hear supporters being passionate about their team, decisions etc. It is all part of the game. However the level of abuse that the home support gives away supporters is just unacceptable and unecessary. Probably as ever a few people but it does make it a very unpleasant experience and I wouldn't recommend anyone to go there.

Poole Town 3 Slough Town 3

Southern Premier League

19 December 2015

A languid performance by Poole saw them gift 3 goals to Slough and draw a high scoring game they should have won at a canter. At 2 - 0 it seemed a case of how many Poole could score but with the Rebels at their mercy and threatening nothing in attack, defenders failed to react to a quick break and the extra man at the far post easily slotted past Hutchings to make the score 2 - 1 at half time. Poole had earned their lead when Wort charged down the keeper and the ball fell to Dickson a fair way out who passed the ball into the net with considerable skill. Slough were all over the place at the back and Poole looked like scoring from every corner and Spetch did, heading in when unchallenged on the penalty spot.

More poor defending allowed Slough to equalise through Jepson in the 57th minute but Wort again proved strong in challenging the keeper and scored himself when the ball broke kindly for him. At 3 - 2 it was probably time to take stock and consolidate but Slough had been given a sniff and more terrible defending led to the equaliser with a couple of minutes to go with Hallahan again on hand to punish a weak defensive header. Slough came closest to winning the match but a dangerous low cross flashed across the Poole area without an attacker getting a touch.

I imagine that strong words were said in the dressing room after the match as this was just a case of complacency and lack of focus in complete contrast to some of the performances we have seen recently. Lewis Lindsay unfortunately again looked lost in midfield but the problem that the manager has is trying to fit 3 centre backs into 2 roles. A rethink seems necessary.

Star Player: I couldn't really pick anyone today although Jack Dickson played well in the first half and took the goal beautifully. Lee Wort also had a solid game.

Poole are still 12 points clear at the top albeit with more games played and this blip shouldn't make much of a difference at the end of the season especially with teams around them dropping points. Things are still looking good and so its onwards at home to Hitchin and away to Frome with a 6 points to prove.

Bedworth Utd 0 Poole Town 2

Southern Premier League

12 December 2015

Another very windy game with Poole playing with the benefit in the first half and working hard to be 1 up at half time. Roberts and Wort both had shots saved and Spetch took a pot shot from a long way out which sailed just over the bar. Bedworth failed to clear a corner and Brooks stabbed in a low cross to give Poole the lead at half time.

In the second half Poole rarely got out of their half because of the wind and their determination to hang on to the lead. Whilst Bedworth spent a lot of time in the Poole half and had a couple of shots, they never looked to have the bite to come back. When Poole scored the second with Wort getting his first goal for the club the game was over as a contest and nothing else really happened.

So not a thrilling game but all wins gain 3 points and this was a professional performance from Poole. On this showing you would fear that Bedworth don't have enough to  get out of the bottom four without an injection of players and a different attitude. The artificial pitch played better than Merthyr's earlier in the season and caused no real problems.

My star player today was Marvin Brooks. He got up from an early injury to get the vital first goal scoring for the second week in a row and was involved in most of Poole's attacking play.

Poole Town 0 Hungerford Town 0

Southern Premier League

8 December 2015

This was a hard fought encounter between 2 teams at the top of the table and in the end Poole did well to secure a point at Tatnam against a Hungerford side which outplayed them on the night. Poole retain their significant lead at the top of the table and Hungerford must have been disappointed not to make ground on the leaders.

From the off Hungerford played a tight pressing game and had an early chance headed over the bar whilst Poole played a predictable building game but still created a couple of half chances. As the half wore on Poole were made to look second best and Hungerford ended it well on top but with few chances to show for it thanks to some good defending.

The second half saw Hungerford grow in confidence and Hutchings was forced into a couple of superb saves to deny Hungerford the win. At the other end I can't remember the Hungerford keeper having to make a save.

So, the jury is still out on loanee Lee Wort. He looks a decent target man but is yet to link in properly with Burbidge Brooks and Roberts to create danger in the opponents box. Jack Dickson playing at left back had a good game in defence but with Roberts anonymous on the left wing Poole missed his guile going forward. Walker was brought on and Dickson pushed forward but it was too late to have any effect. I have to give credit to Hungerford though for putting in one of the best performances of the season against Poole.

However, even if you are at the top of the table you can't win every game and it isn't winning 7 - 0 at Histon that wins the league it is grinding out results like this against the better teams.

My star player: Nick Hutchings because of those two saves.

Poole Town 1 Leamington Town 0

Southern Premier League

5 December 2015

Nicknamed 'The Brakes' Leamington arrived with high hopes but left the field with 9 men, no points and possibly a new nickname. 'The Lemmings' seemed more appropriate as they proceeded to throw themselves off a metaphorical cliff in this match.

Poole were completely dominant in the first quarter with new man Lee Wort looking lively up front. He failed to beat the keeper in a one on one but it was no surprise when Brooks headed in after 20 minutes, his first goal since 10 October. With Poole looking likely to score more the game was ended as a contest when Edwards picked up a yellow for a wild lunge on Roberts and then stupidly kicked out at Devlin in front of the referee and had to take an early spa.Thereafter it became fairly routine for Poole but there wasn't much threat to the goal before half time.

Leamington upped their effort in the second half but it remained comfortable for Poole and a penalty was won as a defender charged down a shot with his hands. The sending off seemed harsh as he was so close to the ball when it was struck but the referee was in a perfect position to see what happened. Devlin missed the penalty - a showy save low to the keeper's left but in reality a nice height and speed to save if you guessed correctly. After that Wort played a nice one two but shot wide and Tallack found himself in the area but his shot was smothered. As the game neared the end everyone was conscious that only one goal up meant that Poole were vulnerable to an equaliser but with 9 men Leamington couldn't really put Poole under any pressure.

My star player today was Carl Pettifer. Although this was one of his easier games due to the lack of opposition in midfield, he controlled the whole game from the centre spraying good passes to either side and defensively made sure there were no slip ups.

Poole Town 1 Sherborne Town 2 (AET)

Dorset Senior Cup Quarter Final

1 December 2015

Poole 1(Salama)

Sherborne (2)Mann (2)

Kettering Town 1 Poole Town 0

Southern Premier League

29 November 2015

In a very hostile crowd atmosphere and in difficult pitch and weather conditions the two teams battled to produce an interesting and competititve game which Poole lost by the only goal. There were few chances in the game with Burbidge and Dickson both having quiet games on the boggy wings in contrast to Kettering's recent signing Wilson Carvalho whose name rang out from Kettering's support after the match. Kettering look like a team which is going places now, whether this season or next remains to be seen. 

Early on in the match Devlin was put through with only the keeper to beat but the Kettering keeper managed to smother the shot. After that Poole were pretty much pinned in their own half during the first period but defended well until Kettering won a penalty as Hutchings brought down the forward with the ball spinning loose in the area. In the circumstances the keeper may have been fortunate to receive a yellow rather than a red card. In the arguments another couple of yellows were issued to Poole players. Hutchings superb save to his left from the penalty quietened the crowd for a bit but didn't add anything to his popularity with them. A 0 - 0 score at half time left the match well balanced but the second half was delayed whilst replacement referees assistant was sought and there was a concern that the game might have to be abandoned with more rain lashing down and the referee having a look at the pitch.

The emergence of the players after half time was greeted with ironic cheers and Poole were more dominant trying to get Burbidge on the ball more. Some great defending denied Brooks a clear shot on goal. When the goal came it was from a Poole error with the ball being lost outside the area and Carvalho shooting past Hutchings probably aided by a deflection. Poole lost their composure after that and in the conditions couldn't produce very much. In the end Kettering should have won by more as their forwards sqaundered at least 2 good chances but it was Roberts who had a fantastic chance to equalise when substitute Holmes broke clear on the right and pulled the ball back to the penalty spot but he couldn't turn the ball in.

My star player for Poole today was Will Spetch. Looking like a natural centre back he was dominant in difficult conditions and looked to distribute the ball to make progress.

Histon 0 Poole Town 7

Southern Premier League

24 November 2015

Dickson 2
Devlin 10 (pen)
Burbidge 12
Devlin 15 (pen)
Trotman 17 (og)
Holmes T 57
Holmes T 90

Poole Town 3 St Neots Town 0

Southern Premier League

21 November 2015

A motivated Poole side easily brushed aside a St Neots team which lived up to their mid table position. From the start it seemed that it was only a question of how many Poole would win by as they took a very early lead when Will Spetch and Lewis Lindsay converged on a loose ball in the area. Hutchings made a good double save shortly afterwards and a goal for St Neots then might have changed the game, but they were never really able to create anything much after that. Again and again Burbage beat men on the right but cut backs were not converted as last ditch defending came between shots and the goal. Poole came close twice with Devlin hitting the post from a free kick and Pettifer at full stretch just failing to control a Roberts cross.

Any thoughts of a St Neots second half comeback was quickly dispelled as Poole came out determined to remain dominant and it wan't a surprise when Burbidge slotted a low shot through a crowd of players into the corner of the net. Walker then played a clever one two with a defender before tapping the ball past the keeper very much in the manner of Neymar. At 3 - 0 up Poole had the chance to give younsters Holmes and Salama some game time and the match was played out with Poole still on top.

My star player today was Lewis Tallack who was energetic in both halves and always looking for a positive outcome. He linked up with Burbidge and Pettifer well ecouraging the many attacks that came from the right today. His defending as ever was excellent.

Chippenham Town 0 Poole Town 1

Southern League Premier Division

17 November 2015

Poole performed well in very windy conditions to win a well contested match with a superbly worked goal in the first half. Pettifer, Brooks and Devlin were involved in the build up with neat crisp passing and Dickson cut inside and finished perfectly. Poole had the benefit of the strong gusting wind in the first half and the slope which made it difficult for the blues to make forward progress but when they played on the ground they did make some incisive plays. With half time reached at 0 - 1 it was clear that Poole literally had an uphill battle in the second half and that Chippenham thought a win was on the cards.

As Chippenham threw everything forwards Hutchings in goal kept a cool head to make several crucial saves and take the heat out of the game when he had the opportunity. There was controversy when a Chippenham goal after a scramble was ruled offside but it was Poole who came closest to scoring again when on a rare break Will Spetch hit the post with a fierce left foot drive.

I thought this was a really good performance from Poole with plenty of discipline and intelligence shown to keep on top of the conditions and a lively Chippenham team. Dickson was always available for the out ball and caused problems throughout the match for defenders. His exquisite goal showed what an emerging talent he is and he was my star player.

Poole Town 2 Cambridge City 1

Southern Premier League

14 November 2015

Poole gained the 3 points with a display which threatened dominance and derailment at the same time but in the end was neither. In the first half plenty of time was spent in the Cambridge half but chances were not converted. It was a relief when Roberts who has a knack of turning up in the right place at the right time turned on a ball in the area and converted well. As we waited for more goals to come Devlin turned inside and struck a fabulous shot beyond the keeper but saw it hit the frame of the goal. Half time was reached with the score at 1 - 0, scant reward for a good performance with Cambridge having a few shots but not really threatening with Tallack and Lindsay having good games.

A game which ought to have been closed out in the first half was brought to life as Cambridge pressed forward and equalised and if Cambridge had had any more about them the game might have been more difficult. Under heavy pressure from Roberts Poole's second came when a low cross was deflected into his own net by a defender. Brooks missed a sitter for the second week in a row when unmarked in the area he directed his header past the post. The game was played out without further drama to a satisfactory result.

Poole have played better than this but the three points were important to get the league campaign back on track and this result took Poole to the top of the league. Not taking chances is still a concern and seems to make things more difficult than they should be because teams which should be played off the park still have an interest in the game in the later stages. The conditions weren't ideal but the pitch played ok and the second half saw the fierce wind and rain subside.

My star player today was Steve Devlin. Of late he has been playing deep but in this game got forward enough times to shoot and create a real threat to the opposition goal. He was energetic getting back as well as forward and showed good distribution of the ball.

Dunstable Town 1 Poole Town 1

Southern Premier League

7 November 2015

This was a match dominated by the seriously windy conditions with Poole playing against the wind in the first half which made it difficult to move the ball forward quickly. Dunstable started strongly and scored an early goal with the Poole defence in disarray after Roberts was clearly fouled in the build up. Dunstable's forwards had two chances of shots on goal, the first was defended but the second went in low out of Hutchins' reach. With Dunstable having something to defend they were intent on doing that and although they never really provided an attaching threat were relentless in pressing and chasing the ball down effectively. Poole at times didn't play intelligently against the wind with a number of free kicks launched in the air and falling short of the target.

The second half was always going to be easier with Dunstable now struggling against the wind. Poole came out with renewed determination and Brooks and Devlin played with urgency and pace. Brooks looked dominant in the air and the most likely to score and should have done so with a free header in the area. Devlin put a corner on to the top of the bar and pressure bagan to mount. White wriggled free in the box and put the ball past the keeper only to see it spectacularly cleared off the line. Whether the whole ball crossed the line is debatable but it was one where the referee probably had to give the benefit of doubt to the defender. As time was running out Dunstable defended superbly to keep Poole out including a couple of excellent saves from the keeper, but eventually dolphins created unstoppable pressure with Walker playing up front and Hutchings coming forward for a corner. With Dunstable unable to clear the ball and shots raining in eventually the ball fell to Burbidge who coolly found the top corner, probably the only spot that would have resulted in a goal.

My star player today was Michael Walker. From the start of the second half he drove the team forward, eventually playing up front himself to try to make somthing happen. It was sheer willpower that got a point from the match. Superb leadership.

I don't often comment on referees because mistakes happen but this one was all over the place in the first half and I thought the Poole players did well not to be more forthright with their comments. The referee's decision not to award a free kick to Poole in the build up to the goal was pivotal and cost Poole victory. To me the foul was as clear as you can get with Roberts being injured by the hard and reckless lunge. 

Merthyr Town 1 Poole Town 0

FA Trophy 1Q

31 October 2015

A disappointing end to a lovely day in Wales set against the backdrop of rolling hills and sunshine with Poole holding their own until the last quarter but then conceding a soft goal to go out of a competition they have never prospered in. The game as a whole lacked quality from both sides and we spent 90 minutes waiting for someone to take it by the scruff of the neck. There was plenty of huffing and puffing and commitment in challenges but the small crowd witnessed a dull midfield battle for most of the match. Whether this was contributed to by the artificail pitch I'm not sure but the ball did seem to run on when otherwise it would hold up in the grass making it more difficult for the players to get control of it.

In the first half there was little in the way of attacking play from Merthyr, and Poole started brightly. Roberts could have done better with a free header in the box which the keeper gathered easily and the game was punctuated with fouls and yellows for both teams. Merthyr did get the ball in the net from a free kick but it was ruled offside. The staggeringly low shot count of 2 to Merthyr and 3 to Poole indicates the lack of attacking creativity from both teams.

More of the same followed in the second half with Poole pressing better but picking up yellows for Lindsay and Spetch. Poole nearly took the lead when a free kick fell to White whose shot was deflected on to the post but nothing came of the corner. With Merthyr upping the effort in the last quarter a cross was cleanly headed into the net unchallenged at the far post for the winning goal. Dickson and Holmes entered the fray but couldn't change things although Holmes burst through on a ball which the Merthyr defender just managed to shepherd past the post.

This was a game which I am sure we could have won comfortably but we particularly missed Devlin with Lindsay looking lost in midfield. For me Roberts doesn't look as effective in a central role and we have all seen what Gillespie gives us when he is fit. It does seem that when players are missing we have a thin squad and the consequence of that is that we may have to take defeats like this more often that we would like which may well jeapordise the promotion push.

Whitehawk 2 Poole 0

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round

24 October 2015

Whitehawk showed why they are 3rd in the National League South and reduced Poole to staying in the game for long periods of this match. They eventually made their superiority tell running out 2 - 0 winners.

In spite of that it could have been so different. Whitehawk were profligate with their many chances and Poole defended heroically to keep the score at 0 - 0 until Will Spetch's sending off. The second yellow was for a soft obstruction and many referees would have looked at the context and given a final warning. This referee decided to apply the letter of the law and made the task almost impossible. Poole held out until half time and could even have taken the lead as Roberts wriggled past a defender on the wing and Brooks put the low cross past the post under heavy pressure. The shot count of 11 - 1 in favour of the home side does tell the story though.

As Poole fans hoped against hope to hang on for a replay the players had other ideas, starting the second half strongly with Burbidge coming into the game. He tricked his way into the box and about to unleash a shot was clipped from behind but no penalty was given. It did seem to be a penalty from behind the goal but the referee waved away strong appeals. Whitehawk immediately went to the other end and scored from a corner. Whether Poole's concentration suffered from the incident is open to debate but that there was to be no way back. Poole were able to put some pressure on the home defence playing a faster and more pressing game in the second half but Whitehawk made many more chances and scored again just before the end.

In other circumstances and with some luck Poole could have won or drawn this game but in other other circumstances Whitehawk could have taken their chances and won by a hat full of goals. Maybe Poole backed off a little too much in the first half but I couldn't fault the Poole effort. Whiskin and Walker were immense at the back and in front of them Pettifer and Devlin were everywhere trying to hunt down the ball. Tallack ran all day and Roberts produced some good moments of trickery. My Star Player today though was Nick Hutchings who not only made some outstanding saves but was a commanding presence in the area.

Dorchester Town 1 Poole Town 5

Southern League Premier Division

20 October 2015

Poole
Spetch 15
White 35, 58
Walker 39
Roberts 73

Dorchester 
Tarbuck 90+2

Att. 556

Poole 3 Cirencester 0

Southern Premier League

17 October 2015

With new striker Jamie White (loaned from Gosport) in the line up and Jack Dickson on the left it was a slightly new look Poole team that took on 6th placed Cirencester. Losing 3-2 away during the run was one of the defining moments last season so it would be good to impose some kind of superiority early on this season.

Dickson looked sharp running at the defence a number of times early on and should have scored with a free header at the far post from a Burbidge cross as Poole applied steady pressure. Roberts came close a couple of times and plenty of chances were created begging to be finished off. However it was Cirencester who came closest to scoring in the first half with Hutchins called into action to make 3 smart saves, the best of which probably was a tip over from a free kick from Cirencester's sprightly no. 9. The shot count at half time was 9 to Poole and 3 to Cirencester.

In the second half Cirencester looked sharper and pinned Poole in their own half for the first 5 minutes but Poole absorbed the pressure and came back strongly with a dominant display which showed they were back to their best form of last season. Devlin converted a Burbidge cross at the far post for the long awaited first goal, Devlin's accurate free kick in the bottom corner secured the second, and Toby Holmes converted a scramble on the goal line for the third. More goals could have followed and Cirencester were metaphorically waving the white flag before the end.

My star player of the day was Luke Burbidge who again opened up the defence time after time and Cirencester never found an answer. Of the newer players Jack Dickson started well showing pace and strength in taking on defenders and intelligent use of the ball. Jamie White hit the corner of the goal from a tight angle but otherwise had a quiet game. Toby Holmes came on towards the end of the match and made a significant contribution. He looked strong, pacy and in the right place at the right time. He did miss a one on one, shooting at the keeper but looks as if he has goals in him at this level.

Dorchester Town 1 Poole Town 3

Red Insure Cup 1st Round

13 October 2015

T. Holmes
Stone
Leonard

Hastings United 0 Poole Town 2

FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round

10 October 2015

Whisken (3)
Brooks (43)

Poole Town 2 Paulton Rovers 1

Southern Premier League

7 October 2015

Poole

Roberts (62)

Connell (78 pen)

Paulton

Morgan-Williams (66)

Poole go top by 2 points and are the league's leading scorers with Hitchin who have played one game fewer. Notably there are 3 Dorset teams in the top 5 which hopefully presages bumper crowds for the local derby matches to come.

Poole Town 2 Redditch Utd 1

Southern Premier League

3 October 2015

Like a few times this season the opposition came out of the blocks quicker and Redditch could easily have been a couple of goals up in the first 10 minutes. As shots rained in defensive cover was sparse and Hutchins kept Poole in the game with some smart work. Against the run of play (which is sounding like a familiar story) Brooks broke into the area on the right but hesitated giving the keeper the opportunity to bring him down. A penalty without a card to the keeper feels right since there were at least 2 other Redditch players around the ball and the keeper was diving for the ball. Devlin's weak penalty was parried on to the post by the keeper but the ball fell kindly back to him and he made no mistake from the rebound. Poole's forward play seemed slow and deliberate for most of the match but a genuinely good move brought the second goal as Burbidge crossed and Roberts flicked the ball across the goal for on loan Corby Moore running into the box to score his first for the club.

In the second half you thought that Poole had to change the game a bit to get on the ball more and control things rather than letting the opposition have it but Redditch had other ideas. A free kick led to probably the worst goal that Poole have conceded this season which was Walkeresque in its execution as Carline found himself unmarked between defenders to head home. There were moments when Redditch threatened to score and the passage of play for the next 20 minutes was nervy but Poole's defence played well after the aberration. As Redditch pressed Poole took advantage of the space to come forward. Man of the match Burbidge was back to his best tormenting the left back numerous times but was unable to find anyone to finish off his moves.

So it continues to be a strange season with resilience at an all time high but quality lacking from the heights of last season so far except in patches. Rock bottom Paulton visit on Tuesday so will Poole fill their boots or will they contrive to make it difficult?

Bideford 1 Poole 2

Southern League Premier Division

29 September 2015

No blog from this game. A touch too far for a Tuesday evening! 

Scorers: Burbidge (36) Walker (81) Palmer (Bideford 86)

Hayes and Yeading Utd 2 Poole Town 3

 

FA Cup Round 2Q

 

27 September 2015

 

Maidenhead Utd moved to their York Road ground in 1871 making it "the oldest senior football ground continuously used by the same club". I would say that it is probably time to clean the toilets and fix the leak. Nomads Hayes and Yeading now also play their football here and judging by the low attendance (185), a return to Hayes is a pressing issue.

At 19th in the National League South to Poole's 6th in the Southern Premier League the gap between H&Y and Poole doesn't seem great but in the past it has proved that the step up to National League level is quite significant. This is how it looked when the game started with H&Y coming at Poole in waves as they looked for an early goal. It wasn't until 15 minutes had gone with Poole hanging on desperately that Poole got out of their own half and scored against the run of play. A corner was cleanly headed into the goal by Walker. H&Y tried to return to their normal game but were clearly put out by the setback and Poole began to get into the game. A break from Poole's half suddenly found Gillespie running onto a bouncing ball and with the keeper and defender hesitating he ran on and placed a perfect lob over the keeper and into the net. A shell shocked H&Y team gamely tried to raise their game but you could see the Dolphin's confidence rise as they fully committed to tackles and challenges to keep the score at 0-2 at half time.

Un unfathomable decision to replace Gillespie with Spetch up front gained the ultimate reward early on as Spetch found himself free twice in the area. He fluffed the first one on one with the keeper but a couple of minutes later a deft first time touch saw the ball go over the diving keeper into the net for 0-3. Watching the match it was still clear that H&Y could come back and so it proved. As the momentum turned again, with Spetch showing limited mobility up front H&Y moved the ball quickly forward again threatening to overwhelm the Dolphins as they had in the first 15 minutes. This time they were rewarded with 2 well taken goals which Hutch couldn't do anything about. With 20 minutes left the game hung in the balance but with Connell replacing Spetch up front Poole coped with the final pressure really well and in the end saw out the time with few further problems

So, the diffrence here is that Poole beat higher opposition rather than just put up a good show before losing. This should give the players a lot of confidence as they seek to impose themselves on the league.

Poole Town 0 v Dorchester Town 0

Southern Premier League

23 September 2015

A decent crowd for a Tuesday night saw these local rivals slug out a 0-0 draw on a wet pitch which made the ball zip in some places and hold up in others. Either team could have won in the end and the entertainment value was high. Magpies started very strongly and it looked for a while as though Poole would be steamrollered into submission. During this period it seemed that Tallack was lucky to receive a yellow rather than a red for a flying mistimed tackle.

Although Dorchester had plenty of early shots, Poole held out. Gleeson was replaced by Devlin fairly early on and once the storm had subsided Poole began to impose themselves. Brooks charged down a keeper clearance but couldn’t convert the rebound and towards the end of the half Roberts had a good shot well saved and hit the bar with another. Another Poole attack saw a general melee and the ball saved on the line.

The second half brought a rejuvenated Dorchester and a rather disjointed performance from Poole. Magpies could not force the breakthrough though and there were fewer attempts on goal in the second period. Once Gillespie had gone off there was little threat from Poole up front especially as Burbidge tired as the half wore on. Holmes injected some fresh pace but Dorchester’s defence had the measure of most of Poole’s forward moves. Towards the end though Poole could have nicked it with Davidson added a harder edge to the attack and holes appearing in the Dorchester defence. In the final seconds the Magpies keeper let a high cross slip through his hands on to the bar but the ball was scrambled away from the goal line.

Both defences played well but the overall impression is that the game had been there for the taking with a bit more of a cutting edge from either team. With both teams going all out for the win it was another entertaining game.

Biggleswade Town 0 Poole Town 1

Southern League Premier Division

19 September 2015

With both strikers having a duvet day on the bench it was left to Luke Roberts to plough a lone furrow up front supported ably by Marvin and Luke H. This was a very strong performance by Poole against a Biggleswade side that was the best I've seen. It is a shame that they don't attract more support as the entertainment value is high judging by this performance. Poole showed slick passing and determination and it was only the superhuman efforts of the Waders keeper that kept Poole from scoring early on as both Spetch and Walker had shots saved at point blank range. Walker also hit the bar. At the other end Waders always looked confident and Hutch had to make a sharp save. A suberb through ball from Brooks to Holmes on the edge of the area instigated the breakthrough as Luke H drifted in beating a couple of players before firing past the keeper. There was plenty of action in the rest of half at both ends. The shot count was 9-4 in favour of Poole.

Spetch was withdrawn at half time resulting in a shake up at the back with Lindsay switching to left back and Tallack coming in on the right. Waders exerted heavy pressure from the start and looked likely to score for long periods although Poole looked dangerous on the break. Waders hit the bar when it looked easier to score and it took heroic efforts from Pettifer breaking things up in midfield and the back four to keep them out. As Waders pressed Poole started to find holes in their defence and might have scored more. Burbs started to come into the game more and hit the post towards the end. The game finished with Poole relieved to have taken all three points but fully deserving them and up to 3rd in the league.

This was a great advert for non league football with both teams going for it at full stretch. The metalwork at both ends took a battering. Man of the Match was definately their keeper, not for the first time against us and Waders look set to achieve more than they have recently. As far as the dolphins are concerned all had a great game but I don't like to see Luke R played in the forward position where he puts in a lot of effort but has little influence on the game. He is much better used running at players and coming in late after stronger players have done the donkey work.

A really exciting game in prospect on Tuesday evening as Dorchester visit Tatnam with the rejuvinated community owned Magpies directly behind us in the league table. As a local derby it should of course be played on a bank holiday or Saturday to maximise the crowd. However, life is not perfect.

Poole Town 1 Barnstaple 0

FA Cup 1st Qualifying round

12 September 2015

On a day when Labour left winger Jeremy Corbyn stormed to the Labour leadership it was Poole's left winger Luke Roberts who made the major contribution to winning this cup tie. After a cut and thrust first 20 minutes, Roberts picked the ball up and ran at defenders and was pulled back before being upended for a penalty. Devlin tucked the ball away in the bottom corner for the 'first' goal. Sadly that was pretty much where the entertainment ended in this game and there was to be no deluge of goals against the minnows or unexpected fightback and upset from Barnstaple. Luke Holmes playing fairly centrally was lively and had a good shot over the bar and Luke Burbidge sent in a number of crosses. Alan Connell had a few shots but worryingly still hasn't scored a goal for Poole. First half shot count was 7 to Poole and 3 to Barnstaple although Barnstaple really offered nothing after the goal.

At half time it was deep joy for the holder of green ticket 425. It was nice to see the salmon given a rest.

The second half was fairly terrible in terms of Poole creating or taking chances with substitutes coming and going. Barnstaple did do better but came up with no real threat - their only shot of the second half coming towards the end. The only real moment of note came when Roberts popped up unmarked to see his header cleared off the line by a defender. Barnstaple had a few corners towards the end and the crowd behind the goal made some sport with the keeper goading him to go forward. He made the right choice in not going forward when the last one went in an out of play without troubling any players. The ref put an end to the afternoon's proceedings in the warm sunshine and the players left to a smattering of applause, the crowd appreciating the effort the Barnstaple players had put in.

It is difficult to assess this game because it looked as though the team was in 3rd gear for most of the match. The aim was to progress to the next round without a replay and that job was done without much trouble. 

A couple of things in the programme that can't go without mention: Jamie - a history lesson; Poole has reached the first round of the FA Cup four times, and famously got to the third round in 1926-27. Clive - Poole 7 Barnstaple 2 August 2009 (Austin 3, Dibba, Preston, Smith).

Kings Lynn 3 Poole Town 2 (5 September 2015)

In a town noted for its pirate activity, boarders from Poole were repelled without booty in the first clash between these teams for 44 years. 

This was a really mixed performance from Poole with another nondescript first half show in which they had little zip or pace and failed to take an easy chance after Burbidge found himself one on one with the keeper. Dolphins pushed forward when allowed the ball but too often sat back and let Lynn dominate the play. Inevitably Lynn scored after a good period of possession from a corner which was bundled in at the far post. Kings Lynn dominated Poole physically and it was always going to be difficult to come back when Gillespie was lost to injury in the first half.

Poole are always resilient and did come back as they always do in the second half showing urgency and clever play and at last putting real pressure on the Lynn defence. But, as it looked like Poole would take control, a catastrophic error put Lynn 2 up when Devlin lost the ball on the half way line and Clunan spotted Hutch off his line and fired a swirling ball over his head. These things do happen and it was a really well taken goal but it was very unfortunate timing. 

At 2 down things looked bleak but Connell applied himself well and came close several times. It took a touch of luck to get back into it when Miller glanced in a great OG from Devlin's free kick. As the Poole pressure mounted Roberts popped up after a melee at the right moment inside the area to hit home the equaliser. Although the Poole bench were obviously delighted and the stadium fell silent, Poole failed to get the ball back from the restart and Mulready took the ball on the right wing, cut inside and hit an unstoppable shot past Hutchings. It was a goal worthy of winning any match, and it did.

In the end it was disappointing to go away with nothing but Lynn deserved the victory and if we had got a point there would have been an element of having got away with it. In spite of the defeat it was a good day out in good surroundings with excellent home support.

Poole Town 5 Frome Town 0 (31 August 2015)

Poole imposed their dominance early in this game with Spetch and Roberts going close before Gillespie turned a defender on the edge of the box and shot low into the net. With the score at 1 - 0 the ball was fired into the refreshments kiosk and came down with ketchup on it rather than the proverbial snow. Frome's best effort came shortly afterwards with Hutchins being forced to tip over a fierce shot. After that the dolphin dominance continued with Gillespie pushed over and Devlin netting a well struck penalty and Brooks also scoring. 
A 3 - 0 scoreline and shot count of 8 - 2 in Poole's favour at half time left fans wondering just how many the dolphins would score.

Dickson came on for Roberts at half time and Connell and Davidson were introduced which for a while seemed to disrupt the flow, Dickson being started on the right wing and ending up at right back while Tallack was switched from right to left when Spetch left the field. Frome worked harder in the second half and were able to frustrate the Poole attack for most of the half. However in the last 10 minutes a Frome defender headed into his own goal under pressure from Whisken and Gillespie headed home a good cross from Connell. 

This was a job well done by Poole and they move up to third, two points behind the leaders who are still inexplicably Chippenham. On this showing Frome look fairly certain relegation candidates. Next Saturday's long trip to Kings Lynn looks tougher with both centre backs suspended. Lynn have made a mixed start to the season, beating Cirencester and Cambridge but losing to Bideford. What we can expect is a big crowd.

Slough 1 Poole Town 3 (29 August 2015)

Poole achieved an expected win at Slough in spite of a turgid first half and going behind just after half time. With Connell starting up front, Davidson coming in from the start and Roberts on the right wing it looked a different kind of set up from the Merthyr game and Poole were dominant in terms of possession in the first half. Brooks went close with a shot across goal and other shots came in from various Poole players. Roberts was hacked down when running through but generally Poole lacked the quality to penetrate the Slough defence. At the other end Slough manufactured several chances but didn't manage to take any of them. At half time the score was 0 - 0 and the shot count Slough 5 / Poole 6.

Just after half time the Poole defence was caught sleeping / appealing for offside and the ball was emphatically rammed home to give the lead to Slough. As we were recalling Bunyan's 'Slough of Despond' Devlin woke up, broke free and fired an unstoppable shot past the Slough keeper. He was booked shortly afterwards. The sharpness that Poole had been lacking in front of goal was emphasised when Gillespie replaced Connell and scored with virtually his first touch, getting to a ball running low across the goal before the defenders and deflecting the ball in.  Whisken received a yellow to add to his points tally for the season and a Slough defender was shown a straight red for hacking down Gillespie on a run which could have led to a goal. After that it was relatively easy for Poole and Brooks added a third just before the end. Second half shots Slough 4 / Poole 8.

Poole now lie just outside the play off positions, 5 points off the top of the table and look forward to the visit of Frome on Bank Holiday Monday and must hope to make further progress. The dolphins have still not reached the heights of last season's performances and still appear to lack cutting edge up front. With both centre backs under suspension soon the next few games will be interesting. Will Spetch came on for a cameo on the left wing before the end against Slough and looked ok. He may well be drafted in at centre back. I for one am looking forward to the return of Lewis Lindsay.

Poole Town 2 Merthyr 2 (22 August 2015)

Against a backdrop of the Bournemouth Air Show and rain threatening throughout, this performance was more red sparrows than red arrows. Although Poole salvaged a point in a 2 - 2 draw with a piece of individual brilliance from Luke Roberts they were outplayed throughout by a Merthyr team with more imagination and individual skill proving that Chip was no blip.

The match started well as the Kettering game had with an unmarked Brooks heading in from a corner and for a short time it looked as though Poole would kick on and control the game. Merthyr however regained their composure and worked their way back in to it. Soon they started to dominate with accurate passing and quick movement which left Poole chasing shadows. A free kick on the edge of the area was poorly defended with the ball bobbling about for ages before the equaliser was rifled in.

The second half brought more from Merthyr who kept the ball for long periods exerting pressure until inevitably they took the lead not long before the end. Roberts had been brought on at half time for Gillespie to introduce a different type of threat and Davidson and Connell were added to try to turn things around. There wasn't too much success although Poole put in plenty of effort. Just before the end Roberts produced a piece of individual skill that showed what had been missing previously as he jinked past 3 players and slotted the ball past the keeper. There was still time for a Merthyr player to be red carded for a reckless tackle on Pettifer (is this in their DNA?) and for Whisken to get a second yellow for what looked like dissent (inexplicable).

I feel that Poole got away with a point here after playing poorly. The midfield was strengthened at the expense of wing play and that left the team short of ideas with Holmes unable to bear the burden of sole provider for Gillespie. It will be good to get Lindsay back in to the team from a defesive and attacking perspective. Davidson, Connell and Gleeson have so far not made an impact although they all work hard. The bright outlook is the form of Roberts who after scoring the two goals against Corby last season looks more confident and capable of ripping open defences. If he can establish a regular rapport with Gillespie it could be fruitful.

Poole Town 1 Chippenham 3

Sadly this was the type of Poole performance we have seen before. Plenty of effort but no cutting edge and a competent opposition making the most of defensive errors. Gleeson came in for his first game of the season but Poole without Petts is like a doughnut without jam. Although Chippenham should have scored early on from a diving header, Poole went on to dominate the first half. Gillespie headed wide, Burbs had plenty of runs with the ball on the right and shots rained in on the Chippenham goal (or wide or over). Poole unfortunately weren't sharp enough in front of goal and paid the penalty (literally) when Chippenham broke, caused panic in the Poole area and had a player tripped from behind. The penalty was easily converted.

Just after half time, Holmes who looked Poole's best player had a good shot turned around the post and that was Poole's best effort of the match. Poole lacked ideas and Chippenham grew in confidence and started to dominate the play. A second penalty was awarded when Hutch inexplicably bundled into a Chippenham forward going for a bouncing ball. It looked a penalty from the other end and it also looked unecessary. Again the penalty was converted. Poole tried gamely to get back in the match and excellent passing between Holmes and Gillespie led to Gillespie being tripped in the box and Devlin converting the penaly. Game on, but not, as Chippenham broke at the other end resulting in a pull back by Walker who received a red card after being yellow carded earlier. Chippenham marauded forward towards the end with Poole in dissaray and scored a third goal.

This was disappointing in that we have seen this kind of game from Poole last season where domination is not turned into goals and poor discipline costs points. The question remains whether the team has been strengthened by the new arrivals. Chippenham were no more than a good team who were determined and on their game. They deserved the win but I will eat a beefburger if they win the league.

St Neots Town v Poole Town 15 August 2015

This match was eagerly anticipated as the test of the season so far against the fancied front runners for the title. The pitch at Rowley Park was green and lush and the chips copious. It was good to see Petts in the side after rumours of absence and the game started with Poole playing as they left off against Hungerford, passing the ball well as they probed a St Neots defence without their two normal giant centre backs. Gillie looked lively up front but it was St Neots who hit the post early on. It looked a fairly even contest until Emerson, coming into the team for Lindsay, stepped forward, moved to the right and struck an unstoppable shot past the St Neots keeper. It is fair to say that no-one saw it coming.

The second half brought louder shouting from the saints bench and a more direct style of play. Poole coped with that adequately until saints drew level passing the ball quickly across the goal and firing a shot in off the underside of the bar. That didn't really change the balance of the game and Poole carried on playing measured football with Devlin playing particularly well with vision to find Poole players marauding forward. One of the attacks let to Burbidge being through on goal. He rounded the keeper and was brought down only for the ref to give a free kick to St Neots and a yellow to Burbs. The Poole player maybe could have stayed on his feet and did go down a little theatrically but it was a foul by the keeper and a definite penalty. The ref got it wrong. 

There was to be no respite for St Neots as they pressed forward and were left exposed as Roberts picked up a pass near the half way line, outstripped the defenders and coolly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to make the score 1 - 2. Roberts really is showing the talent he has this season and is quickly becoming a very influential player for Poole. Burbidge was put through for another one on one with the St Neots keeper, again went round him and again was clipped. This time he stayed on his feet and passed the ball into the empty net. St Neots threw everything forward and scored a second. The game was marred for them by a broken leg for goalscorer Remy Gordon. We wish him a speedy recovery. It did mean that there was a significant amount of injury time and St Neots threw everything at Poole looking for the equaliser. They didn't have enough though and the game ended 2 - 3. 

This was more great entertainment for the travelling fans and on this showing Poole look like they could challenge for the title. The games don't get easier though as the dolphins face a Chippenham team with a perfect 3 win record on Tuesday evening.

Hungerford Town FC v Poole Town FC 10.08.2015

The violet kit got an airing tonight and very smart they all looked. Hungerford in white played up the sideways slope in the first half and treated us to exactly what we expected, lumping the ball into the corners trying to create some sort of physical firestorm to blow Poole away. They were determined to be first to the ball and weren't averse to going through players to get it which gave the ref some work to do. The pleasing thing about this performance was how strong Poole were to resist in the first half and then to impose themselves in the second half.

in the first half the ball was moved quickly at every opportunity by the Crusaders and pumped forward. Long balls and long throws rained in on the Poole goalmouth and although these looked threatening, Hutch, Walks and Whisk mainly dealt with them fairly easily. There was moment where Walks gave the ball away on the edge of the area which should have led to a goal. At the other end Gillie, Burbs and Roberts put lots of effort in and Poole's best moment came when Roberts produced a superb cross from the left which Gillie got his head to but was deflected over by a defender.

Great funky half time music lifted the spirits and the dolphins must have listened to the lyrics of 'Le Freak' blasting around the ground:

All that pressure got you down
Has your head spinning all around
Feel the rhythm, check the ride
Come on along and have a real good time

Because Poole came out for the second half to claim the points with slick fast passing and Hungerford were at full stretch for long periods to cover wave after wave of attack.  Poole played some of the best football I have seen from them for a long time and it was a pleasure to watch. As they got more desperate, the Hungerford tackles flew in and a noise abatement order should have been served on their bench. I had to laugh at their shout of 'pass the ball!'. Can they? But Poole stood up to it and continued the pressure. In spite of that dolphins couldn't find a way through and there were few shots on goal. Burbs struck a shot just wide. Connell replaced Gillespie but didn't really get into the game. Towards the end Hungerford did turn it around and create some awkward moments with long throws but neither side really came close.

This was a really enjoyable game to watch with so much commitment from both teams on show and markedly contrasting styles. The fact that it finished 0 - 0 didn't detract from that. It is very early days and a draw at Hungerford won't be the worst result in the world. Hopefully the goals will start flowing soon, but St Neots will provide another tough challenge.

We are top of the league, said we are top of the league!!

Poole Town FC v Kettering Town FC 8 August 2015

8 August, the first day of the new Southern Premier League season; 76,000 spectators at Old Trafford for the Tottenham game and 399 at Poole as they hosted new boys Kettering Town and I know where I would rather be (Tatnam of course). The early start to the season corresponded with the normal congestion on the roads meaning that Kettering were delayed and the kick off was put back to just before 4 p.m.

Lots of apprehension as the new season got under way. Poole retaining most of the squad that nearly won the league last season and adding a few interesting players, namely Gleeson from Dorchester, Holmes from Wimborne and Connell ex Bournemouth.

Questions to be asked included:

• Is Gillespie fit / can he say fit?
• Will there be a hangover from the disappointment of last season?
• What are the new players like?
• How strong is the opposition?
• Will vegetable burgers be widely available for the first time (Biggleswade being the stars in vegetarian provision so far – when I say stars, I mean 'I think we've got one out the back somewhere')?

As it happens we didn't have to wait long, Gillespie rising like the proverbial salmon to head home from a corner after 3 minutes, the ball taking a deflection from a defender on the way in. After the initial shock Kettering picked themselves up and seemed to have some decent young players who moved the ball well in the build up but without too much effect at the sharp end. The rest of the half was mostly Poole who moved the ball from side to side with Roberts on the left and Burbidge on the right. Burbidge looked effective getting to the byline a number of times and cutting the ball back. A header from Walker could have gone in but Gillespie intervened to head over the top, the keeper pawed one off the line (probably not over the line) and there were shots high, wide and tame. At the other end Hutch wasn't troubled much.

The second half was much of the same with the heat taking its toll. Subs came and went and Kettering managed to get a player sent off for 2 bookable offences. Poole should have scored more goals but left their shooting boots at home, Roberts shooting tamely when in good positions, Devs blasting over and Connell shooting over the bar when he only had to hit the target. Burbidge wilted in the heat, Brooks was replaced and Holmes looked lively after coming on but with Brooks leaving the scene Poole did look a bit lightweight. Petts aka 'the rock' was busy and as usual broke up a lot of Kettering's play. Kettering threw what they had at Poole and there were 2 or 3 moments when they could have equalised. Poole should have won this game by 3 or 4 goals, however I would have taken 1 – 0 before the game and it is the start we wanted. On this performance Kettering look to be a higher mid table team but away to Poole was a tough start to their programme and the delay and heat obviously didn't do them any favours.

So, off to Hungerford on Monday. Not a favourite venue for me with its uneven high bouncing pitch. We always seem to face a well motivated physical team well up for moaning at the ref at every available opportunity. Possibly also the loudest and moaniest bench in the league. For some reason the tiny amount of home supporters also have something against Poole. For me a draw would be a good result.