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.