Poole Town maintained their title push by recording their biggest win of the season against Horndean. Despite the goal glut it was probably one of the worst displays of finishing by The Dolphins for some time and there was at least a dozen chances which appeared easier than those which found the back of the net!

Poole Town got the perfect start when they took the lead in the third minute. Jamie Holland attempted a lob from the right but the keeper managed to flap the ball away. Richard Glenister was on hand to drill the ball home. Holland again caused problems on the right on 12 minutes and his right wing cross was met by Glenister but his shot went narrowly wide of the post. The big striker was guilty again a few minutes later when a Gary Fletcher freekick was headed wide from close range. The first half followed a similar pattern of Poole domination but failing to convert any of the clear cut opportunities. Two more glaring misses before the break summed up the half. Firstly Adams sent Jamie Holland clear and with the keeper coming out Holland pulled a poor shot wide of the post. A minute later and there was another scramble in the Horndean area and Glenister again should have converted from close range but a lack of composure saw his effort go wide. As the half ended Peter Moore quickly followed the players into the dressing room and one can only wonder at what was said - much of it probably unrepeatable! Half-Time: 1-0.

The second half saw the same quality of build-up but this time The Dolphins began tucking away the various chances. On 50 minutes Fletcher sent Glenister away and he coolly slotted the ball past the keeper. From the restart Andy Culliford won the ball back and produced a superb run from the half way line. As the defence backed off Culliford clipped the ball over the keeper and the points were safe. Despite Horndean pulling a goal back on 70 minutes Poole always looked likely to add more goals and with ten minutes remaining Jamie Holland produced a fantastic right footed strike from distance to make it 4-1. Having gone two months without a goal Holland then doubled his tally three minutes later when he nipped in to lob the ball over the keeper. With two minutes left Tony Avery, on as a substitute, smashed home another scramble in the box following a corner and in the last minute another corner saw the ball drop for the hard working Danny Adams to stab in at the near post. Even then there was still time for Culliford to unleash a superb 25 yard volley which cannoned back off the ball with the keeper beaten.

Although making hard work of the first half Poole ran out easy winners with Holland and Culliford outstanding all afternoon. With the news that Vospers squeaked yet another one goal victory the chase continues...............

Poole: Stockley, Wardle, Pratt, Smith, Jones, Fletcher (Gater), Rocher (Maloney), Culliford, Holland, Glenister (Avery), Adams

Poole Town Supporters Club Presentation Night.

Saturday evening saw the inaugural End of Season Presentation night at The Gas Tavern in Poole. A superb turnout of players, supporters and club officials came together to celebrate another successful season for the club.

With a disco, buffet and raffle it proved to be a hugely entertaining night, the highlight of which was the presentation of two new trophies from the Supporters Club. After all votes were collected the trophies were awarded as follows:-

Supporters Club Player of the Year

Chris Pratt

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Most Improved Player of the Year

Andy Gater

The match away at Locks Heath was postponed and has been rearranged to take place on Saturday 19th May. Please note this game looks likely to take place at Tatnam Farm as Locks Heath pitch is unavailable after this weekend.

Team News

Manager Peter Moore has a few problems prior to tomorrow's game against Horndean.

Richard Glenister, Andy Culliofrd, Chris Smith will all have late fitness tests.
Chris Pratt may be unavailable.
Mark Dancer and Jason Lovell are both doubtful due to other commitments.

Poole Town travelled to Hythe & Dibden on the back of two thumping wins and despite not having a full strength side, they were looking to record another victory in their quest for the title.

With a shortage of available strikers Danny Adams partnered Richard Glenister up front and Neil Wardle came back into the starting line-up for the unavailable Chris Smith. Tony Avery, Paul Maloney and manager Pete Moore made up the subs bench.

On a pitch that had weathered the recent rain pretty well Poole immediately got down to work and should have been one up after two minutes. Adams was sent clean through and after rounding the keeper managed only to hit the top of the bar with the open goal beckoning. An Andy Gater freekick on 14 minutes saw Glenister totally free in the box but somehow the Poole forward managed to totally miss the ball when an easy header looked odds-on. Despite these two glaring misses Poole piled forward and the deadlock was broken on 17 minutes. A cross from the left was met by Gary Fletcher's header which was tipped onto the bar by the keeper. As the ball rebounded into play Adams reacted quickest and nodded in his third goal of the season. The lead doubled just five minutes later when Glenister finished a superb run from the right hand side by drilling the ball into the far corner from a tight angle - a terrific strike. Another two minutes and it was nearly three - nil. Louic Rocher in another impressive game for The Dolphins dribbled past two players on the left and curved in another fine cross. Fletcher controlled then neatly squared the ball for Glenister but this time his volley flashed over the bar. This was a terrific period of football from Poole as again and again they cut through the Hythe defence.

On 41 minutes Holland was fouled on the right hand side in what became the start of Hythe's physical attempts to combat Poole's superior football. Having won the free kick Holland, who was having a rare poor game, reacted to the foul and aimed a head butt at the Hythe player. Although not connecting the intent was clear for all to see and the referee had no choice but to rightly send off the youngster. This incident seemed to encourage the home side and on 43 minutes produced their only chance of the game. As the ball broke on the edge of the box their forward clipped a sweet left foot shot over the top of Terry Stockley but watched in vain as the ball clipped the bar and went over. In first half injury time Poole wrapped up the points when Glenister produced another great run and after holding off two defenders he planted the ball firmly past the keeper. Half-Time: 0-3.

At the beginning of the second half Paul Maloney and Tony Avery replaced the injured Andy Culliford and Richard Glenister. On 62 minutes Avery produced a great run down the left, twisting and turning past defenders before setting up Danny Adams. With another open goal at his mercy Adams scuffed his shot tamely past the post and the chance was gone. On 65 minutes Gary Fletcher handled in the box but the resulting penalty was tamely struck and Stockley saved with ease. The second half descended into a physical match with players, managers and supporters all getting caught up in the rising temperatures. The referee, who not for the first time in a Poole match, was extremely poor and seemed content to run around merrily blowing his whistle at anything. As Hythe were unable to compete on footballing terms it was clear that they  decided to kick players rather than the ball. However as soon as Poole competed on equally physical terms there was nothing but shouting, moaning and whingeing from Hythe players and officials. If they weren't prepared to take it then they should not have dished it out in the first place...........

Poole again finished the game strongly - a Gater freekick was flicked on by the impressive Avery and Danny Adams volleyed just over the bar. In the dying seconds the ref made another ridiculous decision and Poole skipper Martyn Jones found himself sent off thus reducing the visiting side to nine men. 

Poole: Stockley, Wardle, Pratt, Gater, Jones, Fletcher, Rocher, Culliford (Maloney), Holland, Glenister (Avery), Adams

Another bumper crowd turned out for the top of the table clash against title rivals Stockbridge and Poole fans went home happy after The Dolphins turned in their best performance for some time to effectively end any chance Stockbridge had of becoming champions.

With Jason Lovell unavailable Mark Dancer made his debut for the club and Terry Stockley returned from injury to take his place between the sticks.

As is customary at home Poole made a good start and immediately settled into their passing game. On 7 minutes Louic Rocher produced yet another superb freekick from outside the area and Poole took an early lead. The goal seemed to stun Stockbridge as both Mark Dancer and Richard Glenister wasted one on one situations with the visiting keeper. Andy Culliford, with another fine performance in midfield produced a volley on 24 minutes but his shot whistled just over the bar. With 41 minutes gone Poole took a deserved two nil lead. Stockbridge earnt themselves a corner but from the resulting kick Poole quickly broke and Glenister finished a strong run by rounding the keeper and coolly slotting home his 17th of the season. There was still time however for Poole to grab another goal before half-time. A superb passing move down the right hand side saw Andy Culliford cut inside and produce a deep cross into the box. Rocher picked up the ball out on the left and his brilliant cross to the near post saw Dancer nip in front of the defender and keeper to produce an exquisite finish. Half-Time: 3-0.

The second half mirrored the first 45 minutes in terms of quality and Poole were in control for huge periods of the game. A nice build up on 62 minutes came to nothing as Glenister again dragged his shot wide but it was, perhaps, the best move of the match five minutes later which culminated in goal number four. Dancer set up Glenister on the right and his pin-point cross was met firmly at the far post by Rocher and his downward header found the corner of the net to record the Frenchman's second of the game.

This was an impressive performance by The Dolphins and crucially keeps them in touch with Vospers at the top. The title now looks like a straight fight between Poole and Vospers and with the Southampton club winning again today, their visit to Tatnam in May could help decide which way the title falls.

Poole: Stockley, Jones (Wardle), Pratt, Gater, Smith, Fletcher, Rocher (Maloney), Culliford, Holland, Glenister, Dancer (Adams)

Despite the biggest home crowd of the season Tatnam Farm seemed strangely quiet until it was realised that manager Pete Moore was unable to attend the game! Jason Lovell returned from suspension and Colin Randall replaced the injured Terry Stockley in goal.

There was little to choose in the opening twenty minutes as, like Saturday, Poole enjoyed the majority of possession but was unable to do much with it. A free kick from Andy Culliford which was turned round the post seemed to bring the Poole players to life and gradually they increased their control on the game. Jamie Holland found himself in a one v one situation on 21 minutes but the keeper was able to pull the ball away from his feet at the very last moment. The first goal arrived just four minutes later and included passes from several Poole players. Eventually Lovell provided a pin point cross from the right and Richard Glenister rose to head home unchallenged. On 44 minutes Andy Gater clipped an East Cowes player just inside the area and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Randall, loaned from Holt United dived low to his right and made a superb save thus ensuring the Dolphins held the first half lead. Half-Time: 1-0.

Poole went two up immediately after the restart. Louic Rocher produced another superb free kick from 25 yards - curling the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. After 55 minutes East Cowes were awarded their second penalty of the game when Randall was adjudged (incorrectly!) to have brought a player down in the area. The stand in keeper had the last laugh however when he produced another great save, this time diving low to his left. The game was wrapped up on the hour when Jason Lovell provided his second assist of the afternoon. He turned brilliantly and surged forward holding off two defenders, finally squaring the ball for Glenister to squeeze the ball under the advancing keeper. Danny Adams, on for Jamie Holland, finished proceeding by smashing home from close range after a goal mouth scramble on 66 minutes.

Though still not producing the flowing football from earlier in the season, this was an important match to win and the three points keeps Poole in touch with Vospers at the top.

Poole: Randall, Wardle, Pratt, Gater, Jones, Smith, Rocher (Fletcher), Culliford, Holland (Adams), Glenister (Thomas), J. Lovell

In the biggest league game of the season so far Poole Town slipped to their first ever defeat against Vosper Thornycroft. As well as losing the game Poole have also conceded the leadership of the Premier Division to their Southampton rivals who are now a point clear with a game in hand.

With Jason Lovell suspended, Louic Rocher partnered Richard Glenister up front with Gary Fletcher and Chris Smith returning to the starting line-up.

Poole started brightly and immediately took the game to their opponents. A good run from Chris Pratt on seventeen minutes saw the ball received by Gary Fletcher. He sent Glenister clear and in a one v one situation the Vospers keeper made a good save before the ball was cleared. However, within five minutes Poole fell behind. Play built up on the left hand side and the ball was eventually cut back to the edge of the area. The Vospers player clinically struck the ball first time into the top right hand corner of the net. Poole had a great chance to level the match on 25 minutes when Glenister and Rocher were two on one against the Vospers defence. With Rocher completely free Glenister perhaps took the wrong option and his attempted lob cleared both the keeper and the bar. Another counter attack from Poole on 35 minutes saw Holland slide the ball through to Glenister and his first time shot narrowly missed the left hand post with the keeper well beaten. On the stroke of half-time Vospers went two nil up. A cross from the left was headed against the ball with the ball being hacked away for a corner. As the resulting kick sailed into the area it was Vospers who reacted quickest and the ball was stroked home. Half-Time: 2-0.

The second half descended into a midfield battle with, by and large, the Vospers players taking control. The home side proved quicker to every ball and even when The Dolphins had possession they were hassled and harried into many mistakes as Vospers worked hard to close down all the space. Tony Avery and Danny Adams replaced Neil Wardle and the injured Gary Fletcher but as manager Pete Moore changed personnel around a goal looked increasingly unlikely. On 75 minutes Glenister flashed a volley just over the bar and nine minutes later it was Glenister again as he headed over from a great Andy Culliford cross. The goal when it came, came too late, A cross from the left was bundled in by Chris Smith but with Poole desperately throwing everyone forward the referee blew for full time and Vospers secured the three points.

Although the Poole players were very disappointed they know that it will be a different story next month when Vospers travel down to Tatnam Farm. As the visiting fans travelled home they were met by some good news - Stockbridge beaten at West Wight Mayflower 2-1. The title really is open at this stage and Poole must know that they need to raise their game to beat high flying East Cowes and Stockbridge in the next week.

Poole: Stockley, Wardle (Avery), Pratt, Gater, Jones, Smith, Fletcher (Adams), Culliford, Holland, Glenister, Rocher

Despite yesterday's news both Jason Lovell and Robbie Harbut lined up for the Dolphins at Tatnam Farm against Liss Athletic. With Andy Culliford and Simon Lynn taking the wing back positions, Louic Rocher, Danny Adams and Harbut completed the midfield.

On another terrific playing surface Poole started very brightly and immediately imposed their passing game on their opponents. Liss were under intense pressure during the opening exchanges and Jason Lovell continued his tremendous goalscoring record for the club when he notched the first after just ten minutes. Poole continued to push forward and a shot from Simon Lynn on 14 minutes beat the keeper but whistled just over the bar. After 22 minutes The Dolphins produced the best move of the match - Harbut fed the ball wide to Lovell and after a great run and cross, Glenister saw his powerful header deflected just over the bar. On the half hour Lovell instigated another chance when he tackled back deep in the Poole half. His through ball saw Harbut embark on a superb run from right to left and when he eventually set up Glenister with an easy chance the striker blasted wide when well placed.

With their first chance of the game Liss drew level on 41 minutes when a corner was flicked on at the near post to be headed home with style at the far post. Worse was to follow on the stroke of half-time when a Liss freekick on the edge of the box was floated into the area to be met with a free header which flashed past Stockley into the net. After a half of 90% dominance the Poole players left the field a goal in arrears. Half-Time: 1-2.

An immediate response was required after the restart and it took just two minutes for Glenister to race clear, and with defenders closing in the Poole forward slotted the ball home to level the game. Again Poole fashioned most of the chances in the second half but Liss started looking increasingly dangerous on the break. On 53 minutes Glenister sent over a right wing cross and Lynn volleyed first time only to see the ball cleared for a corner. Eight minutes later and Poole regained the lead. A free kick on the edge of the box was floated in and Louic Rocher rose strongly at the far post to thump the ball home. With just twelve minutes left Poole seemingly wrapped the game up when a free kick by the impressive Rocher was tapped in by Glenister to record his fourteenth of the season. However Liss set up a tense last five minutes when a sweetly struck volley from the edge of the box found the top left corner of the net - superb strike.

The final whistle was met with some relief by the home supporters as Poole recorded their 11th straight home win. Not a vintage performance by any means but Poole played some good football in patches and deserved to take the three points. With Tuesdays visit to Locks Heath postponed the players now have a week to prepare for the vital trip to Vospers next Saturday. The next three games (against third, fourth and fifth in the table) could well have a huge impact on the destination of the Hampshire Premier League title.

Poole: Stockley, Wardle, Pratt, Gater, Adams (Jones), Rocher (Maloney), Harbut, Culliford (Holland), Lynn, Glenister, J. Lovell

The match away at East Cowes VA last night was postponed due to...........waterlogged pitch!
The game has been rearranged to Tuesday 1st May with the West Wight game scheduled for Wednesday 16th May.
Next Tuesdays game at Locks Heath has also been postponed as Locks Heath have a cup tie.

Team News

For tomorrows game at home to Liss Athletic, team news is as follows:-

Jason Lovell - suspended
Gary Fletcher - on holiday
Darren Mooney - injured
Robbie Harvard - unavailable

The team is likely to line-up as follows: Stockley, Wardle, Gater, Pratt, Holland, Maloney, Rocher, Culliford, Jones, Glenister, Adams. Subs: Atherton, Avery, Lynn

The match away at West Wight Mayflower was postponed due to waterlogged pitch.

Match report to follow.

Poole Town   3 V 0  Andover New Street - Hampshire Premier League  (24/03/2001)

Match report can be found here.

Fixture News

All remaining fixtures have now been scheduled and can be found here.

Team News

Due to other events in his life Poole Town's current top scorer Simon Flanz has sadly had to move back to his home town and has therefore played his last game for the Dolphins. Arriving at the start of this season Simon proved a huge favourite with the supporters and scored 15 goals from 24 cup and league appearances. Everyone at Poole Town will miss the talented Flanz and our thanks go to him for providing a massive input into the current campaign.

Jason Lovell has returned for a second spell at Poole Town. Last season Jason played 6 matches towards the end of the season and scored an incredible 12 goals - his return now could have a huge bearing on this season's push to the title.