Match Report courtesy of Matchday Programme.

Once again this was a first meeting of the two ex Southern League sides since both dropped out of that level of football. It was another chance to take on Alex Pike and his management team since they moved en-bloc to Gosport from Hamworthy United.

This was a very hard earned point and to be disappointed by just one point is a measure of how far the team have advanced of late. I am sure we would have been over the moon with a point at Gosport Borough at any other time. Town battled from the off and then on 27 minutes, Carl Chivers won a right side corner which Sean Hogan floated in. First in was Neal Spalding who headed goalwards only to be denied by a goal line clearance. The ball went back to Taffy Richardson and was finished in fine style by Ollie Cherrett into the top right hand corner. 1-0. Just afterwards on 29 minutes following a Richardson free kick, then a Hogan cross the ball hammered against a post.  Town denied the home team efforts with all round endeavour and fine saves from Paul Spillane.

Half time: 0-1.

Once again Town had a perfect start to the second period. On 48 minutes a right wing Carl Chivers run saw the ball arrive with Stuart Brown who finished low past the keeper from the right side of the box - 2-0.On 55 minutes the referee sent Tom Killick from the bench - no comment on the referee and his performance for obvious reasons!

Unfortunately on 57 minutes Daniel Thompson scored direct from a left side corner with the ball eluding all, thus providing the home side a way back into the game - 2-1. On 84 minutes with just six minutes of normal time remaining, the home side drew level through Neil Scammell who took advantage of some confusion at the back, 2-2.

It was a well won point against a side looking hopefully towards promotion.

Poole: Spillane, Spalding, Cherrett, Whitley, White, Harris, Hogan, Richardson (Woolfenden), S. Brown (Bartlett), Chivers (Totczyk), Phillips

Match Report courtesy of Ian Claxton.

It was bitterly cold Tuesday night for Poole’s first visit to Grigg Lane for many a year, with both teams keen to get going, if only to keep warm. Brockenhurst applied the early pressure and it was one way traffic for the opening ten minutes that produced several pops at the Poole goal with the pick of the bunch being at 3 minutes when Badgers centre-forward Dan Marks split the Dolphins defence and laid off a pass to Trefor Smith who’s shot just cleared the far post.

Eventually Poole began to get in the game and a real midfield tussle ensued with neither side gaining any advantage. Poole’s first shot at the Brock goal came on 21 minutes when Matty White’s curling shot went the wrong side of the post. Two minutes later Poole went close again when Leigh Phillips lob set Carl Chivers off on another run at Brock’s left flank, his shot being turned away for a corner. The Poole players crowded the box as the corner kick floated in but Brock cleared it’s lines and a quick clearance to Dan Marks found the Badgers strike man clear with only one defender and the Poole keeper to beat, but he fluffed his shot and it sailed over the Poole goal.

Brock renewed their attacked again and finally were rewarded on 32 minutes with a goal to put them ahead. Ben Krauss sent a cross in from the corner flag with Marks as his target on the near post, but the ball slipped past Marks and the Poole defenders but was turned in by Darren Crook’s outstretched boot at the far post to score against his old club.

Poole came straight back at Brock from the restart and a well timed lob found Phillips splitting the Badgers defence on 37 minutes only for the Poole striker top stumble at the crucial minute. Poole kept the pressure on and two minutes later Alan Wright upended a Poole player in a goalmouth scramble and the referee pointed to the spot. For some reason, Brock’s Joe Bye took great exception to the decision and argued with the official at great length and through a caution. His petulance was eventually rewarded with a red card and his marching orders. Finally, Leigh Phillips stepped up to blast home the penalty to level the score. Up to this point Brockenhurst had been the more dominant side, now down to 10 men, Poole began to seized the initiative.

This was clearly demonstrated from the start of the second half as Poole pushed forward. They had the lead within two minutes when Phillips headed in his and Poole’s second goal. On 51 minutes Poole’s Carl Chivers while again attracting more than his fair share of the Brock defence, managed a weak shot at goal that Badgers keeper Pete Houkes only parried. The rebound fell to Leigh Phillips and Houkes managed to somehow block the Poole striker’s first shot, but Phillips pounced on the second rebound and made no mistake his shot nearly splitting the back of the net for his hat-trick. Brockenhurst didn’t seem to have an answer despite their best efforts and both Poole’s Ali Harris and Stuart Brown went close within the next five minutes.

Coach Trevor Parker tried to rally his troops with some fresh legs and a formation change which partially blunted Poole’s rapier, and Brock nearly managed a reply on 80 minutes when a cross from a corner caused a goalmouth scramble that saw Poole’ keeper Spillane save twice. But it was too late by then and the Dolphins ran out comfortable 3-1 winners. Brockenhurst having been undone more by their team mate’s petulance than any superior display by their opponents.

Poole: Spillane, Spalding, Cherrett, Whitley, White, Harris, Hogan, Richardson (Woolfenden), S. Brown (Bartlett), Chivers (Totczyk), Phillips

Wessex League Cup

Poole Town will play the winners of Andover V Hamworthy United in the semi final of the Wessex League Cup. The match will be over two legs and is the second consecutive year Poole have reached the semi final stage. The first leg will be away - date to be confirmed. The other semi final is Winchester City V AFC Totton.

Dorset Senior Cup

Poole will play Gillingham Town in the semi final at a neutral ground - venue and date to be confirmed. The other semi final is Hamworthy United V Verwood Town.

Poole Town completed their second league double of the season within a week as they took on basement side Portland United at Tatnam. There is no doubt that Portland's team is far better than it started the season and their recent results have proven as much. Poole started with the same eleven as the game at VT a week ago.

The Dolphins got off to the best possible start when after just 90 seconds Phillips flicked on a Knowles long throw and Carl Chivers hit a crisp shot past the keeper into the left hand corner of the net. Whilst Poole continued to make the better chances Portland were certainly in no mood to roll over and they battled hard right across the pitch.

On 16 minutes Taffy Richardson produced a great ball to Ollie Cherrett but after controlling the ball well, the centre back volleyed high over the bar. On the half hour mark Portland created their first chance of the match when a left foot shot went just wide of the post. Just before half time Matty White found Chivers with another good pass but this time the young striker's shot was saved by the keeper. Half time: 1-0.

From the restart the impressive Hogan crossed the ball in and Phillips flicked a header on which beat the keeper but came back off the crossbar and was cleared. Two minutes later Chivers was put clean through but his shot was poor - dragging wide of the left hand post.

Portland continued to battle hard and the longer the score remained at 1-0 the more likely they looked to grabbing a possible equaliser. Ryan Woolfenden and Richard Glenister replaced Knowles and Chivers respectively but still Poole could not find the second killer goal. Then on 82 minutes a freekick on the right side of the Poole box found a Portland player unmarked and he powered home a header to bring the visitors level. In truth it was no more than they deserved and sensing a first league win of the season they continued to press for a winner.

The game really opened up in the last few minutes. On 88 minutes a Poole corner saw yet another Phillips header come back off the bar and on 90 minutes Portland had a great chance to win the game but a left foot shot went just wide of the post.

In the 94th minute and with Portland ready to celebrate a hard fought point Leigh Phillips spotted the keeper off his line and he produced an exquisite chip from 25 yards. The keeper managed to scramble back but could only paw the ball into the net to give Poole the points.

The referee then compounded Portland's misery by needlessly booking two players in the final minute. One of the players was given a yellow card for saying that a free kick decision the ref had given was 'shocking' - hardly a yellow card offence.

Not the greatest performance from Poole but just about enough to secure the three points.

Poole: Spillane, Spalding, Cherrett, Whitley, White, Harris, Hogan (Bartlett), Richardson, Knowles (Woolfenden), Chivers (Glenister), Phillips

Unfortunately the pitch at Alton Town has been deemed unfit to play on so tonight's Wessex Division 1 league game has been postponed.

After their cup success against VT just four days previous Poole Town travelled to VT for the return match in Wessex League Division 1. VT have proved to be a bit of a bogey side for Poole in recent years with no victory on the road since 1999. However, Poole delivered, in my opinion, their best performance of the season to complete a superb treble against their Southampton rivals.

New signing Sean Hogan made his debut at right wing back and Chris Knowles started a second successive game in the midfield with the ongoing injury problems of Gary Funnell. The conditions were especially difficult with a very heavy, muddy pitch with a greasy surface.

From the very first whistle Poole produced 100% effort in this game and that continued right to the end. VT simply were allowed no time on the ball and Poole must have enjoyed 60-70% possession over the entire game. On 15 minutes a Poole corner saw the ball drop to Chivers in the box but his shot was hit weakly straight at the keeper.

On 20 minutes VT fashioned possibly their only chance of the game. A good break down the right saw the striker attempt to chip Spillane in the Poole goal but he got back just enough to tip the ball away for a corner. Sean Hogan was simply outstanding in the first half as he defended superbly and created much down the right hand side. On 42 minutes he raced onto a great ball into the box and he was clearly pulled from behind but the referee waved play on despite it being a stonewall penalty. The only frustration of the first half was that Poole failed to capitalise on their possession and it ended goalless. Half time: 0-0.

If Poole played well in the first half then they were fantastic in the second. On 61 minutes after some great passing and possession, Poole got the ball into the VT area and after a bit of a goalmouth scramble, Chivers was on hand to poke the ball home from close range. Three minutes later and the excellent Knowles delivered a great ball from the right and Phillips nipped in at the near post but his shot was just wide. On 71 minutes a corner from the left was met by Phillips who dived in to thump his header into the net.

It got better for the Poole striker on 84 minutes when he met yet another corner and this time his header at the back post went back across the face of the goal, over the keeper into the far corner.

As the minutes ticked down Mitchener replaced an injured Paul Spillane, Bartlett replaced Hogan and Gary Clarke made his first start, coming on for Richardson. In injury time a cross saw Phillips stab the ball past the keeper but after the ball cannoned back off the bar Chivers was on hand to volley his second of the game to make it 4-0.

This was an excellent performance right throughout the team. The defence looked solid all afternoon, the midfield super creative in difficult conditions and Phillips and Chivers worked tirelessly up front and were rewarded with a brace each. Great stuff.

Poole: Spillane (Mitchener), Spalding, Cherrett, Whitley, White, Harris, Hogan (Bartlett), Richardson (Clarke), Knowles, Chivers, Phillips

Full report to follow.

2 mins - Hounsell replaced the injured Stuart Brown.
Several near misses for Poole. VT had the majority of possession in the first half but it was Poole who had the better chances.
35 mins - Penalty to Poole after handball in VT area. Phillips scored from the spot.

Half time: 1-0.

Poole dominated the game in the second half.
55 mins - Phillips header disallowed.
88 mins - Chivers nicked ball away from keeper and slid it into an empty net.

Poole: Spillane, Spalding, Cherrett, Whitley, White, Harris, Richardson, S. Brown (Hounsell), Knowles, Chivers (Woolfenden), Phillips

Poole Town eased into the semi finals of the Dorset Senior Cup with a win over local rivals Poole Borough. Carl Chivers made the starting eleven as Leigh Phillips dropped to the bench for this game. Ryan Woolfenden also returned to the side with the absence of Stuart Brown.

On 13 minutes Neal Spalding stole the ball in the middle of the pitch and sent Glenister away down the left. His cross found Chivers but his snapshot was dragged wide of the post. Chances were few and far between in the first half as the game bogged down in midfield. Although Poole dominated possession they were unable to break down a stubborn Borough defence. Half time: 0-0.

On 55 minutes Poole took the lead. A great ball down the right saw the excellent Chivers race away. As the keeper came out he took one step to the side and lifted the ball superbly over him to find the top right corner. The lead was short-lived however as just five minutes later Dave Perry fired home from the right hand side of the box to find the corner of the Town net.

On 66 minutes a ball found it's way across the face of the Borough area and Funnell hit a screaming first time volley from 25 yards which dipped over the keeper but was denied by the crossbar. As Town sought to win the game on the night Killick brought on Phillips for Glenister and Bartlett for Funnell.

It was a better performance by Borough in the second half as they put pressure on Town time and again. On 86 minutes Cherrett found himself clear on the left side of the Borough box but with plenty of time he managed only to poke the bar into the side-netting. At this late stage it looked as though extra time would be required bur in injury time Leigh Phillips found Alli Harris in the box and he fired home to secure the tie for the Dolphins.

Poole: Mitchener, Spalding, Cherrett, Whitley, White, Harris, Funnell (Bartlett), Richardson, Woolfenden, Chivers, Glenister (Phillips)

Poole Town's new year got off to the worst possible start as their wretched run of results against Lymington Town continued - now 7 games against them without a win. However, unlike previous games this was one that the Dolphins simply did not deserve to lose. 4-2 sounds as though Poole were thumped but nothing could be further from the truth - for huge periods of this game Poole were by far the better team and yet again a combination of bad finishing and bad luck conspired to see Poole return with nothing.

Lymington created the first chance on 7 minutes when sloppy Poole defending allowed the home side to shoot but the effort went tamely past the post. On 13 minutes a Funnell corner was met by a towering Cherrett header but the ball went just over the bar.

On 19 minutes Lymington took the lead after a scrappy period of play. The first real good passing move by the home side saw the ball drop in the box and a right foot shot was tucked away. The referee went slightly mad after this booking three Poole players (Cherrett, Glenister and Brown) in successive minutes.

Poole now took charge of the match and really put huge pressure on the Lymington defence. On 28 minutes Funnell crossed the ball into the box and a Lymington player clearly controlled the ball with his arm - no penalty. The ball dropped to Harris in the box and his left foot shot beat the keeper but hit the post and rolled away to safety. Two minutes later and Phillips nodded on a great ball but Glenister dragged his shot wide of the left hand post.

On 37 minutes a Funnell corner was cleared back out to Funnell on the touchline. He cut in and a fierce shot left the keeper for dead but again the ball cannoned back off the post to deny a deserved equaliser. The follow- up shot was also tipped over the bar by the keeper.
Finally on 40 minutes Poole got the goal - a great Stuart Brown cross from the right was met by Glenister and his header looped over the keeper into the far corner of the net.

Two minutes after that and Taffy Richardson raced clear but his shot was pushed away for the corner when a goal looked certain. On the stroke of half time Harris fought his way through a crowd of players, his shot was saved and the rebound hit Harris again but bounced just wide of the post. Half time: 1-1 and no-one could have complained if Poole had been four or five up.

Poole started the second half in exactly the same fashion, working hard and creating good chances. On 49 minutes a good move ended when Brown volleyed just over the bar. On 56 minutes a great ball over the defence saw Glenister race away for a one on one with the keeper. His first touch however let him down and the ball was cleared.

On 58 minutes Poole took the expected lead when Funnell picked up the ball on the left edge of the box and he cracked a superb swerving shot inside the near post - remarkably his first goal since 8th October - nearly three months ago. At this point it really looked like it was just a question of how many Poole were going to get and even Lymington supporters were mumbling that they deserved to be behind. However, the last 25 minutes proved to be a nightmare for Poole as all their good work was undone. After a series of crosses on 65 minutes the ball was knocked in at the far post to make the game level and with just ten minutes left a cross into the box saw the Poole keeper rooted to the spot and a simple glancing header put the home side back in front.

The game looked all up for Poole but on 92 minutes substitute Chivers took on the last defender, beat him for pace and raced in on goal. The Lymington Number 4 deliberately tripped him up and the referee awarded the penalty with no hesitation. How the defender escaped even a booking when he should have been sent off is quite unbelievable. Leigh Phillips stepped up to take the penalty (not Funnell?) and he hammered the ball straight at the keeper who made a good save to clear the ball. To compound Poole's misery Lymington broke down the other end and made it 4-2.

An entertaining game and a pretty good performance from the Poole boys - it's just the scoreline which spoilt the day!

Poole: Mitchener, Spalding, Cherrett (Woolfenden), Whitley, White, Harris, Funnell, Richardson, S. Brown, Phillips, Glenister (Chivers)

I am delighted to announce that I have now received an initial stock of the new Poole Town enamel badges. Supplies are limited at the moment but further orders will be made depending on demand.

I'm hoping to have a picture of the new badge on the website soon. In the meantime I will have badges at the Lymington Town game tomorrow and the Poole Borough match on Wednesday evening if anyone wants to look / purchase. Price is just £2.50. The badges will be available from the Club Shop at Tatnam from now on.