Poole Town 1 Hitchin Town 0

Southern Premier League

23 February 2016

It wasn't so much the quality of performance that was different today, it was the effort and determination that kept the second best team in the league from equalising during a second half spent under the cosh. If asked after the match, maybe neutral observers would have said that Hitchin deserved a point, but for all their possession and quick interplay they came up with few shots on goal, a testimony to the heroic eforts of a much changed back four and resolute midfield.

Starting with new signing Tony Lee on the left and Roberts again up front, dolphins were quickly into their stride with Lee showing that he will add pace and trickery to the Poole attack. His first contribution of note was to fire a spectacular overhead kick just over the bar. He followed that up by getting to a through ball in the box which the Hitchin keeper did well to smother. Roberts' deft header at the near post gave dolphins the lead and from then defence was always going to be more important than attack. Hutchins saved a tame shot before half time which the Hitchin forward should have done better with. At the back still no Walker and with Tallack on the left instead of the right, Lindsay slotted into the centre back position and Dickson to right back. More disruption came when Devlin had to be substituted early with Gleeson coming on in his place but the balance of the team was not disturbed.

The second half was one way traffic but it was never easy for Hitchin as they were harried and pressed high up the pitch and then met a solid wall around the edge of the area. There was a moment when Hutchings came out and lost the ball but the shot towards goal from an acute angle was headed behind. At the other end moments were few and far between but Gleeson shot wide. Holgate came on for a cameo near the end but there wasn't much he could contribute in the circumstances. His time will come.

Verdict: The performance was important today and it proved that when Poole are on song they are the best in the league. It laid the ghost of Biggleswade and importantly extended the long unbeaten run. Consistency is what wins leagues. Hitchin are now 6 points behind and on the same number of games and now Redditch come into view as title challengers. Confidence will be high for the trip to Cirencester where last season's title chances took a severe dent with a 3 - 2 reverse on the run in.

Star Player: So many excellent performances today with Gleeson, Tallack, Dickson and Pettifer all having outstanding games, but I would give it to unsung hero Lewis Lindsay who has had injury problems, copes with constant positional changes and still puts in great performances.

Poole Town 2 Biggleswade Town 2

Southern Premier League

16 February 2016

Luckily only 266 people turned out to see this dire display by Poole. 2 - 0 up and coasting at half time they continued to coast in the second half and let a mediocre Biggleswade side come back when they had no right to. Competitors are creeping slowly towards the top but maybe we are toying with them. Who knows?

Bright spots were the well taken goals by Roberts and Brooks but the rest was a real low point of the season. After Biggleswade had equalised they were going for the winner and Poole never looked likely to score. Connell was introduced too late to make any difference but had some good touches and Gleeson looks like he can be a creator, passing the ball well.

Poole continue to play as they have for most of the season without a striker to call their own. One starts to wonder whether there is some sort of perverse bet going on. But lo .. the appearance Ahsan Holgate on a 'short term arrangement' and Tony Lee on a month's loan may eek out enough points. Poverty has been pleaded but unless something changes, how are we going to compete with professional teams in the league above?

Poole Town 2 Weymouth 0 

Southern League Premier Division

2 February 2016

The biggest crowd of the season saw a match which shed some light on the destination of the Southern League title as 2^nd played 4^th. Poole recaptured the top spot from Chippenham that they had occupied for so long.

The first half was cagey with each team nullifying the other, there was little action to speak of and few shots although Brooks hit the bar late on. The interest for the home fans was seeing Richard Gillespie start for the first time in many games. He provided an outlet as for long periods Poole played within themselves and restricted attacking to long balls forward.

The second half was a bit brighter with both teams less willing to sit back but it was a Weymouth sending off (2 clear yellows) which was the tipping point of the game. The catalyst however was the introduction of Luke Roberts who quickly showed his enlightened ball skills and vision to send ripples of delight through the home crowd. He was on hand as Brooks blasted in for the first from close range and then raced on to a through ball before beating a defender and placing the ball over the head of the advancing keeper into the Weymouth net. Weymouth did have a good chance to score before the end but blasted profligately over when it seemed easier to score. The introduction of Jamie Gleeson towards the end was a welcome sight for Poole fans and hopefully we will see more soon.

Verdict

Weymouth were found wanting creatively but clung on until the sending off. Probably Poole would have won without the sending off and it always looked as if the result could go only one way. The Terras fans must have been disappointed with this showing and deserve more for their unwavering support. 

For the Poole fans it was satisfying to get a win and in context the recent string of draws looks like good points won. If Biggleswade can be beaten on Saturday the dream of National League football looks nearer to reality.

Star Player

Could have been Luke Roberts for his transformation of the game but Marvin Brooks was consistent throughout and dominated the Weymouth midfield so gets the nod.