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.