With the day having started sunny and bright, needless to say the rain, and a strengthening wind, had rolled in before kick-off. Conditions were therefore once again tricky although not as bad as many prior games. Much of the game resembled that of the Moneyfields clash from a week before and the same 0-0 scoreline also looked likely for much of the match.

Cowes however, looked a little more positive than Moneyfields and during the opening quarter of an hour they looked the more dangerous side on the break. On 11 minutes they had a freekick just outside the Poole area and although the first shot rebounded off the wall the follow up effort bounced in the wet just in front of Harvell and he did well to turn the ball away. On 22 minutes Andy Culliford had a header curling towards the top corner but a defender on the line managed to get up to head the ball clear. A fairly dour first half ended with a decent half chance for Poole. A Gill cross was headed away and Matt Holmes hit a sweet half volley which swerved just over the bar.

Half time: 0-0.

It was a fairly similar pattern in the second half with neither side creating much, Poole having the majority of possession but Cowes looking the more dangerous on the counter. On 47 minutes A Hogan cross dropped to Whitely on the edge of the box and his shot whistled over the bar. Saadi replaced Roberts on 65 minutes and Shane Ayres replaced Steve Smith just three minutes later. With the game heading for a stalemate Poole eventually broke the deadlock on 73 minutes and it was the much needed bit of magic that did the trick. A Saadi corner was cleared by the Cowes defence but Trefor Smith picked the ball up just outside the box, took a touch and buried a left foot twenty yard shot into the top left corner of the net - a top finish.

With Poole fans still breathing a sigh of relief all the good work was undone inside of just five minutes as Cowes broke away and the number 10, Evans, finished well in the corner of the net after the Poole defence had gone to sleep and nobody even came close to putting a tackle in.

In truth it was no less than Cowes deserved and a draw was a fair result on the afternoon's proceedings. Just two points from the last three games and unfortunately Poole's season is fizzling out with the team now looking at a possible (probable?) fifth place finish.

Poole: Harvell, Whitley, I. Richardson, Hogan, Roberts (Saadi), A. Culliford, S. Richardson, Gill, Holmes, T. Smith, S. Smith (Ayres)

Poole started the game really well. Within the first ten minutes they seemed far more lively than they had managed in the entire match against Moneyfields. Trefor Smith and Kevin Gill looked sharp both down flanks and Ian Richardson galloped forward at every opportunity causing all sorts of problems in the United defence. Taffy and Holmes kept the midfield ticking over nicely and the defence looked very solid indeed.

After constant pressure for in the opening quarter of an hour Poole took a deserved lead on 18 minutes. Ian Richardson charged down the field and played the ball out wide to Trefor Smith. He cut in and delivered the cross which Ian Richardson tucked over the line for his 20th goal of the season. It was no more than Poole deserved and more goals looked likely.

The Dolphins continued in the same vein and really played some great football. The passing and movement left Hamworthy chasing shadows but there was always a feeling that a second goal was required to effectively kill the game off. On 33 minutes Steve Smith and Stuart Brown combined well and Brown's shot flew over the bar. For all the possession however the second goal would not come and despite the home side barely getting out of their own half, they only found themselves a goal down at the break.

Half time: 0-1.

The opening ten minutes of the second half was very similar with Poole again in charge and running the game. However, Hamworthy clung on to the game and slowly began to put some pressure on of their own. On 57 minutes a great diagonal ball from right to left found a Hamworthy striker racing in and his shot skimmed the top of the Poole bar. On 60 minutes Steve Smith raced clear after a long kick from Harvell but under pressure from a defender he fired high and wide. Five minutes later and Poole gifted the home side the goal they needed. Harvell came racing out to clear the ball but appeared to be caught in two minds as to how to clear it. Eventually he succeeded in only chipping the ball straight to Legg and he provided a fine finish from 30 yards into an empty net.

This was all the incentive Hamworthy needed and suddenly they sensed that a win was on. They immediately put Poole under more pressure and Taffy Richardson committed a foul just outside the Poole area on 69 minutes. Hubbard curled a great freekick into the box and United skipper Nathan Walker rose brilliantly to thump the ball low into the corner of the net.

Poole tried desperately to get back into the game but it just wasn't go to be their night. Hogan crossed to substitute Saadi on 71 minutes and his first time shot was tipped over the bar. From the corner the ball dropped to Stuart Brown and his volley was aiming for the net before a slight deflection took it onto the bar and over for another corner.

With Poole pushing forward this inevitably left gaps at the back and Hamworthy had two or three great chances towards the end to extend their lead. In the end their two goals were enough to win the game. Over the balance of the game there is no way Poole deserved to lose but once again missed chances would prove costly.

Poole: Harvell, Whitley, I. Richardson, Hogan, Skelton (Saadi), S. Richardson, Gill, Holmes (Trembath), T. Smith, Brown, S. Smith

For the fourth match running the weather played a major part in the game, this time a fierce wind making football very difficult indeed. Moneyfields had the wind behind them in the first half and it took nearly ten minutes for Poole to even cross the halfway line. Time and again Poole tried to get the ball down and play but as soon as they lost possession in the Moneyfields half then the visitors used the wind and launched a big clearance to put the Poole defence under pressure again. This was pretty much the pattern of the first half as neither side created anything resembling a half chance on goal. That said, Poole were probably fairly happy to get to the break level given the harsh wind against them in the first half.

Half time: 0-0.

Having failed to make a breakthrough with the wind in the first half Moneyfields clearly set their stall out for the second half. They got men behind the ball, wasted as much time as they possibly could and settled for a point as soon as the second half kicked off. This is becoming a regular occurrence at Tatnam and it is then that Poole struggle to unlock heavily manned defences.

On 47 minutes Cann played the ball to Brown and after getting it back he let fly with a fierce shot which the keeper saved and the ball dropped agonisingly over the bar. On 50 minutes a Cann freekick was carried towards goal by the wind and the keeper could only manage to palm it onto the bar before it went over. Ten minutes later and Skelton had a long range effort dip just over the bar as well.

Taffy Richardson came on for Culliford on 62 minutes and Steve Smith replaced Holmes ten minutes later. On 79 minutes Poole's best chance came when Brown did well in the box, spun and his shot beat the keeper but was cleared off the line by a defender. Saadi came on for Brown a minute later but the goal never really looked like coming. The last chance came on 86 minutes when Skelton headed a Cann freekick over the bar.

Poor refereeing at the end - despite five second half substitutions and countless instances of time wasting by the Moneyfields players the referee played .......... no extra time at all. By my watch the half ended after exactly 45 minutes. In truth I don't think Poole would have scored with another half hour but it would have been nice to have at least been able to try.

Slip ups from Wimborne and Poppies makes this draw even more disappointing and Poole are now faced with having to win all six remaining games to even stand a chance of winning the league. Even with that I don't think 105 points will be enough.

Poole: Harvell, Whitley, I. Richardson, Hogan, A. Culliford (S. Richardson), Gill, Holmes (S. Smith), Skelton, T. Smith, Cann, Brown (Saadi)

Report Courtesy of Ian Claxton.

The pitch was muddy, the wind blew and the rain poured down and some of our regular supporters may have stayed at home but, they missed a game of football to savour as the weather failed to dampen the spirits of those who braved the elements at a rain swept Tatnam. On the field, the contrast to Tuesday's drab display could not have been more stark. It was a magnificent display by every member of the Poole team who faced a Hayling team that came to play football and were totally outplayed. We did it to Brading last season when our opponents played good entertaining football but ran into a Dolphins team fired up and on top of their game and this year it was to be Hayling's misfortune. Hayling played a tough game in the home fixture and gained a heap of respect not just for their on-field performance, but for their friendly manner and hospitality off it. It has been reported that they have said they thought the Wessex Premier would be tougher and had been disappointed that many teams still play hoof it and hope·at this level. They play a skilful ground passing game and have had some success in their first term but despite their efforts, they were second best this afternoon from the start as Poole showed them just how fast the passing game can be played.

It took a while to settle as always and the visitors had the first chance to threaten when a well worked attack down the Poole left on 8 minutes ended with a dangerous cross in that went too high for Harvell and the Poole defenders to reach, but also flew over an unmarked Gavin Keogh moving in at the far post. Dan Cann similarly replied at the other end a minute later, but Matt Holmes·connection sent the ball well over the crossbar. With Hogan back in the side, Cann was returned to his forward role and looked to be relishing it, he was again supplier for Culliford's shot on 18 minutes that Byrne fisted away for a save. When he chased down a floating ball that looked comfortably heading for Byrne's embrace in the 19th minute, it looked like a pious hope, but Cann stuck out a boot and tipped it over the giant keeper to send it into the back of the net. Poole lead 1-0.

Hayling came straight at Poole from the kick-off and for a couple of minutes had the home side defending, but it was to be a short interlude in a game that other wise was played in the visitors half. Dan the man connected with his outstretched boot again on 21 minutes to send Stu Brown's cross over the bar and was on the end of a piece of sheer poetry a few minutes later. A swift one touch-a-piece move took the ball from Luke Whitley in the Poole half via Skelton to Brown and finally to Cann to fire over that split open the Hayling defence as quickly as it took to read this sentence. The boys were on fire.

Byrne again performed well in the Hayling goal, punching the ball off Ian Richardson's head as the Poole skipper connected with another cross from Cann then blocked Brown's header down before falling on the loose ball. But, his outfielders were failing to clear their half as their passing was broken up by Poole's tenacious play and the big lad was soon back under pressure again. On 34 minutes , Culliford slammed home a shot from 10 yards after Hogan's floated in ball eluded both Cann's leap and Byrne's jump. Poole lead 2-0.

Poole continued to push but Byrne and Hayling denied Poole further delight and when the mud-splattered warriors retired at the break for a well-earned respite, the score remained 2-0.

Second half and the return of Taffy to the field after a long road back from injury, joining the fray on 58 minutes. Stu Brown and Dan Cann were again menacing Byrne's goal but Hayling held their own for the first part of the half and came close to getting a goal back from a free kick on 62 minutes that Harvell had to push around the post. From a quick kick out seconds later, Stu Brown took off up field to challenge the Hayling defence and held possession long enough for support to arrive. He snapped in a cross that Culliford drove home giving Byrne no chance and Poole led 3-0.    

Steve Smith replaced Kevin Gill on 65 minutes and two minutes later, Trefor chipped Byrne who come off his line to close down our slippery forward, but a defender covering the goal line saved the score. Hayling threatened again on 74 minutes, Jack Slater-Vaile having got clear on the right sent a dangerous cross in that this time evaded Harvell's dive ( Jason had cut out one a few minutes earlier with a fine catch).and was heading for the back of the net with a touch but for Luke's timely clearance.

Hayling replaced Dave Oldridge with Barry Keogh and Poole sent on Shane Ayres for Andy Culliford on 75 minutes. Within seconds, Poole went 4-0 up with a blast from Dan Cann. Byrne had punched Holmes·shot away with such force that it fell to Dan, fully 30 yards away from Goal. Cann tee'd it up and then sent it straight back in beyond Byrne. The ref hadn't had much to do in the way of officiating as the game had been played in a very sporting fashion, but a bit of a late slide in the mud on 79 minutes by Ian Richardson that caught Jack Slater-Vaile, was his chance to shine and he duly issued a rather harsh yellow card. The move incensed Tom and a few words were exchanged then Cann also was booked for dissent. However, Dan wasn't going to let it spoil his day and he buried a third goal for his hat-trick out of nothing from 40 yards out on 83 minutes. Poole lead 5-0. Hayling's heads dropped, understandably and Brown added a sixth on 85 minutes with a tap in from a cross by (that man again) Cann having drawn Byrne to the near post and then crossed to Brown unmarked on the far post. Steve Smith got the seventh with a minute left after Hogan had done all the work, beating three players on the right wing before cutting inside to pick out the goalhunter for a simple turn in. Final score 7-0 and a superb game of football in awful conditions. It should be noted that our visitors, Hayling played well despite what the scoreline may suggest and although their heads may have dropped after the fifth goal went in, they did not get cynical and they behaved magnificently throughout and were a credit to themselves and their club once again.

Poole: Harvell, Whitley, I. Richardson, Hogan, A. Culliford (Ayres), Gill (S. Smith), Holmes, Skelton (S. Richardson), T. Smith, Cann, Brown

It was clear from early on that Poole would be enjoying most of the possession and so Ringwood set their stall out accordingly. Every time Poole got the ball there would be nine or ten Ringwood players packed into their box trying to prevent the breakthrough. This they did pretty well to be honest and Poole had to be patient, playing their way into the area and then being forced to come out, get it wide and start again.

Poole took the lead on 24 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. Skelton had chipped the ball into the box and Stuart Brown was attempting to shield the ball but a defender had his arms wrapped right him. The Ringwood players were not impressed with the decision and two players were booked in the aftermath. True, it was a soft penalty but it is the only way defenders will learn to keep their arms to themselves. Ian Richardson stepped up and firmly planted the ball home - 1-0.

It was Ian Richardson again who should have doubled Poole's lead on 31 minutes. A Cann corner was curled to the far post and a completely unmarked Richardson somehow managed to put his header wide of the post. His reaction was evidence enough that it was a fairly simple chance.

With Poole looking comfortable in the lead and Ringwood never looking like creating a chance the first half finished with just the solitary goal on the board.

Half time: 0-1.

The wind strengthened in the second half and the rain also began to fall heavily - conditions were not good for football and the match became very scrappy. On 49 minutes a Cann throw was flicked on by Richardson and Andy Culliford volleyed just over. Four minutes later and Trefor Smith went on a darting run from the half way line before hitting a right foot shot just past the post.

On 61 minutes a Ringwood defender handled in his own area and Poole were awarded a second penalty. Again Ian Richardson made no mistake and remarkably the centre back scored his 19th goal of the season. Recent signing from Eastleigh Tom Roberts (6 appearances last season for Poole) came on for Matty Holmes and Shane Ayres soon replaced Trefor Smith.

On 73 minutes there was a glimmer of hope for Ringwood when Carroll spun on the edge of the Poole box and hit a sweet shot low into the bottom right corner but on 80 minutes another long Cann throw caused problems in the six yard box and Osborne managed to get a touch to bundle the ball over the line.

Ringwood did manage to hit the outside of the Poole post with a freekick on 84 minutes but the match fizzled out and Poole were happy to just get out with the three points secured.

Poole: Harvell, Whitley, I. Richardson, Cann, A. Culliford, Gill, Holmes (Ayres), Skelton, T. Smith (Roberts), S. Smith (Osborne), Brown

This match came just too soon for Taffy Richardson to return from injury and there was another blow for Poole as influential midfielder Aaron Skelton was unavailable. It has also been confirmed that Chris Smith does have cruciate ligament damage and will now require an operation. He will likely not return until well into the 2008/09 season - our wishes go to him for a speedy recovery.

Totton looked a bit nervy as the match kicked off and with the benefit of the wind behind them it was Poole Town who had by far the better of the first half. Totton struggled to get the ball out of their own half but still defended very well, as we have come to expect. A couple of early Dan Cann corners caused the home defence problems as they were whipped in but Poole were unable to capitalise.

On 27 minutes a Cann freekick into the box was knocked out to Kevin Gill and his well struck shot was caught very well by Barfoot at full stretch. A minute later and Totton fashioned their first chance when Hamodu looked certain to score but Luke Whitley made a fantastic covering block to deflect the ball for a corner - great work.

With the first half looking likely to end scoreless Andy Culliford nearly broke the deadlock on 41 minutes when his speculative shot from 30 yards dropped over Barfoot but cannoned back off the crossbar and was cleared away. A very good half from Poole as they looked the better side but their failure to score would prove costly.

Half time: 0-0.

The second half was an almost exact opposite of the first half. Totton had the wind behind them and this time it was Poole who could break free from their own half. The Poole defence had looked more than comfortable all game but it was an error on 64 minutes that led to the goal. Both keeper Arthur and Skipper Ian Richardson shouted for the ball at the same time and only a split second later they both attempted to clear the ball. Unfortunately the fumbled clearance fell to Matt Jones who rifled home into the bottom right hand corner.

Shane Ayres replaced Steve Smith and then Osborne trotted on with twelve minutes left to replace an improving Matty Holmes. In truth thought it never really looked like Poole would get the equaliser. However, right on 90 minutes a ball was flicked on in the Totton box and Ian Richardson spun and unleashed a fine volley. It looked for all the world as though it would find the corner but keeper Barfoot pulled off a magnificent finger tip save to turn the ball around the post for a corner. It was a save worthy of winning a game and it did just that.

On the day there was nothing really between the two sides. Both dominated a half and both managed just two or three decent chances in the game. Whilst Poole hit the bar, Totton found the bottom corner. It was enough to make the difference. No disgrace for Poole who's poor run against Totton continues. Good to see the Poole faithful gathering at the corner flag to cheer their players off though.

Poole: Arthur, Whitley, I. Richardson, Hogan, Cann, A. Culliford, Gill, Holmes (Osborne), T. Smith, S. Smith (Ayres), Brown

This was a game that Poole dominated from start to finish with possession probably around the 80:20 mark in Poole's favour. As early as the second minute and Dan Cann curled a right foot shot beyond the keeper but the ball skidded back off the far post and was cleared. Two minutes later and Aaron Skelton intercepted the ball just outside the box and his left foot shot was only parried by the keeper and Steve Smith was just unable to get on the end of the rebound.

Poole took the lead on 12 minutes. A Cann freekick into the area was not cleared properly and as the ball bounced up Stuart Brown placed a great looping header over the keeper into the far corner to keep up his record of scoring in each of his last four games for the club. Poole continued to produce some neat football but they were allowed space all over the pitch in which to get it down and play. On 19 minutes there was a terrific move involving Cann, Gill, Brown and Skelton with the ball finally being played to Steve Smith who volleyed just wide. Six minutes later Poole took a quick freekick and Gill was away down the right. He produced a great cross into the box which fell perfectly for an unmarked Steve Smith but he managed to head wide from just two yards out. It was to be a frustrating day for Poole's top scorer.

On 28 minutes Downton actually equalised as Poole conceded a fairly soft goal. The defence and keeper appeared to have the situation under control but Downton's number 10 Ricky Wells nipped in to fire low past Arthur. If Downton had any hopes of securing a shock result they were soon snuffed out as Poole stepped up a gear and raced away to victory. On 32 minutes Cann swung a corner into a packed box. Skelton rolled the ball back to Gill outside the box and he fired home a great twenty yard strike to put Poole back in front.

On 39 minutes another Cann corner was met by Whitley and he headed home his first goal of the season to give Poole a three one lead at the break.

Half time: 1-3.

Trefor Smith had picked up a knock but despite trying to run it off he was replaced on 47 minutes by Shane Ayres. This was a chance for the youngster to play for an entire half and he made the most of it - he looked very good wide on the right. There was now constant pressure on the Downton goal and after another Cann corner on 50 minutes Whitley saw his shot come back off the post. Five minutes later and a goalmouth scramble saw Brown pick up the ball, swivel and drive a shot which cannoned off the top of the bar. Andy Culliford replaced Skelton on 58 minutes.

On the hour mark Hogan lofted a nice ball over the defence. The chasing defender missed his clearance and Steve Smith raced away. Despite his shot being parried by the keeper Stuart Brown had followed up to tap in his second of the game. Two minutes later and Cann crossed to Whitley and his left foot shot was scrambled off the line. With just a bit of luck Luke could have netted a hat-trick today.

Downton had now totally ran out of steam and their tackles began to arrive late. Ricky Wells picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge on Ian Richardson who was not one bit impressed by it. He got the perfect response however when three minutes later he rose to head home another perfect Cann freekick. 5-1.

On 76 minutes substitute Osborne (on for Brown) raced clear but the Downton number 5 clearly lashed out and kicked his trailing foot. There was nothing subtle about it and the referee awarded a straight red card. Poole's final two goals both came in stoppage time. Firstly Cann flicked a little ball over the defence for Osborne to latch on to and tuck away and then Andy Culliford found himself some space in the box and duly fired home Poole's seventh and final goal.

A very good response from Poole after their midweek disaster. Admittedly the opposition didn't put up much of a fight but still the Dolphins did exactly what they could do in the game. Slightly sterner opposition lies in store next Saturday as third placed Poole travel to table topping AFC Totton.

Poole: Arthur, Whitley, I. Richardson, Hogan, Cann, Skelton (A. Culliford), Gill, Holmes, T. Smith (Ayres), S. Smith, Brown (Osborne)