Hemel Hempsted 2 Poole Town 4

Vanarama National League South

28 August 2016

Things get easier in the National League South as Hemel were systematically dismantled by a more determined and classier Poole team that played them off the park once the first goal had been scored. Two late goals gave the score respectibility it didn't deserve but is another lesson that you can't get complacent at this level.

There looked to be goals in this game from the off with both teams starting brightly and creating chances. Hemel looked the most likely to score early with a couple of shots fizzing over the bar and a goal being ruled offside. Burbidge was acting as Poole's main creator making inroads on the right and shot just wide of the post. Wort on the left was mainly in a defensive role with Roberts in the middle. Gleeson left the field with an injury and was replaced by Grainger who made an immediate impact with a shot from some distance that rocketed into the top left hand corner. After that it was all Poole with Burbidge scoring with a shot from the edge of the area (assisted by a deflection) when the ball came back to him, and Devlin spotting the keeper off his line trying a shot from near the half way line which the goalkeeper tipped on to the bar. 0 - 2 at half time.

Poole continued the second half on top and Roberts made it 0 - 3 collecting the ball in the middle and beating a defender before slotting the ball past the keeper. Ollie Davis looks a great prospect coming on for Roberts and immediately getting some good touches. Later he found himself on the right and produced a perfect cross for Case to head in from an acute angle at the far post. At 0 - 4 with plenty of time left and Hemel down to 10 men Poole were cruising to vicory, but with nothing to lose, Hemel produced their best spell of the match with quick interpassing bringing about two goals in a couple of minutes. Dolphins looked shocked and although Hemel had another good chance to score they ran out of time and the full time score ended 2 - 4.

In this match with Gillespie sidelined, Poole proved that goals can come from everywhere and that they have the potential to more than hold their own in this league. Monday's game at home to Bath will be a test as will Saturday's away trip to Wealdstone, winners of the National (Gola) League and FA Trophy double in 1985.

Star Player: James Grainger - made an immediate impact and was dominant in midfield throughout. Scored a worldy that is already a candidate for goal of the season.