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.