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.