Poole Town v Chelmsford City
National League South
5 November 2016
The fireworks came from Poole as they
achieved a stunning victory to halt Chelmsford's promotion push with
a four goal demolition as good as anything Poole have done this
season, bringing to an end Clarets unbeaten run of 11 games
stretching back to August.
Chelmsford looked confident and assured
at the start but were matched by a dolphins team at their best levels
of concentration and pressing. Gradually Poole began to dominate the
ball and Roberts on the left and Burbidge on the right were often
found with accurate passes. It was a vintage piece of Burbidge that
brought the first goal as he twisted and turned and produced a
perfect cross for Surridge to head past the keeper's left hand from
near the penalty spot. Chelmsford visibly lost confidence from that
point as Poole gained theirs and dolphins controlled the rest of the
half going 2 – 0 up with what must be a candidate for goal of the
season. Swift inter passing from within their own half and superb
movement saw Surridge emerge with the ball free of defenders on the
edge of the area. He slotted the ball home competently under the
keeper and half time came with the dolphins in total control.
As away teams in deficit often do,
Chelmsford started the second half with more determination and pace
and their fans made a good effort of trying to lift them. They did
create a few opportunities around the Poole box but couldn't make
anything of them. When Poole got the ball they were direct and
confident and Brooks having a great game for the second week in a row
produced a stunning finish moving the ball to his right and curling
the ball around the keeper's outstretched left hand.
At that point the game was over and a
hush fell on the clarets team, bench and fans. It looked as though
they couldn't quite believe what they were seeing. From there it was
a cakewalk with Poole bursting through at will. Surridge was awarded
what looked like a 'soft' penalty from behind the goal and he duly
completed his hat-trick from the spot (it does look like he should be
our penalty taker). Whether it should have been a penalty or not it
made little difference to the outcome but it is good to see the goal
difference now at a respectable +4.
The second half saw the introduction of
Corby Moore making his dolphins debut for the second time and it
remains to be seen how well he will do. In summary, this was a match
that Chelmsford were never really in because Poole's pressing and
hard work were so good. The addition of Surridge up front gives a
solidity and goalscoring power to the team that had been lacking. Now
there is always an out ball and defenders are always going to know
they have been in a game. Poole are tied in second place on 32 points
with Ebbsfleet, Chelmsford and Hampton – illustrious company
indeed.
Star Player: It is difficult not
to give the award to someone who has scored a hat-trick but I felt
that Marvin Brooks was key
to this performance. He was strong in the air and on the floor,
dominating the ball in midfield and distributing the ball well to
either side of the pitch. Also scored a very good goal proving he is
back to his best. If he can stay fit there is plenty more to come.
