With the planning application for new facilities having already been submitted, the local council have now overwhelmingly approved the funding of £40,000 for the purchase and erection of new floodlights at Tatnam Farm. This decision will almost certainly be ratified by the Executive next week.

This, together with the expected planning permission approval, should mean that Poole Town should have the necessary ground facilities in place for the start of the new season. This would ensure our Hampshire Premier League place and also give the club a base for securing further improvements in order that Wessex League football can be achieved very quickly. More news as it becomes available.

Poole Town ended their season in style with an 8-1 triumph over Locks Heath at Tatnam Farm. Richard Glenister grabbed a first half hat-trick and Danny Adams (two), Jamie Holland, Martin Jones and Louic Rocher were also on target for the Dolphins.

Poole: Stockley, Pratt, Gater, Dancer, Jones, Fletcher, Adams, Lynn (Moore), Holland, Glenister (Burt), Rocher
Unused sub: Thomas

Players Awards

Following the last game of the season the following club awards were made at Poole Social Club, Poole Stadium:

Supporters Player of the Year:   Jamie Holland
Players Player of the Year:   Chris Pratt
Managers Player of the Year:  Martin Jones
Top Goalscorer Award:  Richard Glenister - 27 goals from 26 appearances.

An end of season midweek trip to the Isle of Wight was the last thing that Poole needed and, as expected, it proved impossible to field anything like a full strength side. With Gary Fletcher turning up ten minutes into the game Poole started with only ten players. Manager Peter Moore made his annual appearance in goal with Darren Burt and Mark Thomas also making their first starts of the season. The Poole substitutes bench was like the home support - non existent!

After eight minutes West Wight fashioned their first chance of the game. The ball was squared from the left and the striker was left 6 yards out with only the keeper to beat. The imposing presence of Moore in goal had the desired effect as the ball was blasted well wide. On 19 minutes good work from Dancer and Killick saw the ball through to Jamie Holland but his first time shot went wide of the the post. Poole took the lead on 40 minutes with an exquisite finish from Tommy Killick. Holland knocked the ball over the defence and as Killick held off the defender he chipped the ball superbly over the keeper. On the stroke of half-time West Wight pulled level with a close range finish. Half-Time: 1-1.

West Wight took the lead on 53 minutes - a fantastic 30 yard volley finding the top left corner with the keeper well beaten. Mark Dancer nearly equalised on the hour when he headed a terrific cross from Killick just over the bar but Poole fell further behind five minutes later with another great strike beating Moore at his left hand post.

With the match looking lost The Dolphins then staged a comeback. On 71 minutes Killick chipped the keeper again to make it 3-2 and with ten minutes remaining Martin Jones converted his fourth consecutive penalty in as many games after a brilliant run from Killick was ended when he was brought down in the box. It was all to no avail however as with just minutes remaining West Wight broke and scored the winning goal. A good save from Moore to his left saw the ball drop to another home player who slotted home.

With Stockbridge losing on Monday night Poole Town are already guaranteed the runners up spot. Although losing, a half strength Poole team put up a decent battling performance and now look forward to finishing the season on Saturday and earning a well deserved break.

Poole: Moore, Burt, Jones, Fletcher, Adams, Culliford, Thomas, Holland, Dancer, Killick
No subs available

Website News

Due to holidays the website will not be updated now until Sunday 27th May.

On a beautiful hot day the largest home crowd of the season (161) turned up at Tatnam Farm to see The Dolphins take on the newly crowned champions Vospers. The general feeling through the week was that Poole would convincingly beat their rivals at Tatnam and despite Vospers fielding their strongest side The Dolphins romped home by hammering Vospers by six goals to one.

Richard Glenister returned to partner Jamie Holland up front as Mark Dancer started on the right hand side of midfield.

Despite the pre-match billing the first half failed to live up to expectations as Poole were unable to break down the organised defence. Despite manager Pete Moore's urgings to 'up the tempo' The Dolphins seemed content to play the game at a slow pace, patiently trying to play from the back. They were caught out on 37 minutes however when sloppy play at the back allowed Jason Adams to nick the ball and as he advanced keeper Terry Stockley had little choice but to bring him down in the area. The resulting penalty was despatched clinically low to Stockley's right to put the visitors ahead. Poole's first real chance came on 41 minutes when a left foot cross from Gary Fletcher on the right was headed narrowly wide by skipper Martin Jones. In first half injury time Mark Dancer sent Holland away down the right and as he crossed the ball in, Glenister was tripped in the area and the second penalty of the match was given. Jones stepped forward and crashed his spot kick in off the underside of the bar to score his third penalty in as many games. Half-Time: 1-1.

A tactical switch at the start of the second half saw Jamie Holland drop to the right hand side and Mark Dancer move up front with Glenister. On 53 minutes Glenister sent Holland through but his shot was well saved by the keeper diving to his left. Another change around was required on 65 minutes when Neil Wardle picked up an injury and he was replaced by Danny Adams, with Fletcher dropping into the back three. A minute later and Poole were in front. Good work from Jones on the left saw the ball crossed in to Dancer and with his back to goal he swivelled and crashed the ball into the roof of the net. This opened the floodgates for Poole and they extended their lead just two minutes later. Andy Gater played a neat one-two with Holland and when his cross was nodded on by Dancer, Andy Culliford nipped in to slot the ball home. Another fantastic free-kick from Rocher on 70 minutes nearly added to the score - the Frenchman being denied by the keeper leaping to his left. On 79 minutes Dancer set up Glenister who forced his way through the defence to rifle home a powerful shot low past the keeper.

With minutes remaining the biggest cheer of the afternoon was reserved for manager Peter Moore as he replaced Mark Dancer up front. Mark Thomas also came on, replacing Rocher on the left. Moore's impact was immediate! Glenister set off on a brilliant run from the half way line and as the defenders backed off he unleashed a left foot shot which beat the keeper inside the post. Did the defenders back off or did Moore's guile and experience drag the defenders away from the advancing Glenister as the manager suggested while running back for the restart? Despite being on the pitch for just five minutes the manager found time for a dust up in the middle of the pitch(!) before being involved in the final goal. He fed the ball to Culliford who, in turn, squared the ball for Adams running in to knock past the keeper.

Although the first half was only mediocre the second half turned into a rout as Poole ended Vospers long unbeaten run and inflicted their biggest defeat of the season. Although the title is gone, the point was proved and there can be no doubt as to which side plays the better all round football. Congratulations must go to Vospers for winning the title - Poole must now focus both on and off the field on aiming for Wessex League football as quick as possible.

With the Hampshire FA decision imminent on Poole's future, please check back here for news of Poole's efforts to secure Wessex League facilities in the very near future.

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

Simon Flanz is back in the Poole area this weekend (nothing to do with annual players night out though!!) and may well figure in the Poole team to face champions Vosper Thornycroft at Tatnam Farm. Hopefully we can achieve a crowd of about 200 for the game which would also be a nice way to give Simon Flanz a proper send off after his efforts for the club this season.

Fixture News

The rearranged fixture against Locks Heath will now take place at Tatnam Farm on Saturday 19th May - kick-off 3.00pm.

The club presentations for Player of the Year, Top Goalscorer and Managers Player of the Year will take place in Poole Social Club, Poole Stadium after the game.

After dropping five points in two game on the Isle of Wight through the week Poole Town returned to familiar territory with a thumping win over a surprisingly poor Locks Heath side. Again Poole were hit with injuries and unavailability and it was a somewhat makeshift side which lined up against their Hampshire rivals. Tony Avery replaced Chris Pratt at left back, Danny Adams started in midfield and Mark Dancer partnered Jamie Holland up front with Simon Lynn wide on the right.

The start of the game started fairly evenly with neither side taking control. As is customary Poole missed a few chances and it was a penalty on 21 minutes which started the rout. Jamie Holland was felled in the box and Martin Jones stepped up to score a second penalty in successive games. On the half hour a cross from the right was met by both Dancer and the visiting keeper. With the keeper dropping the ball Dancer nipped in to tap home for a 2-0 lead. Half-Time: 2-0.

The second half was a period of goals and missed opportunities for The Dolphins. On 66 minutes Tommy Killick, on for the injured Avery, was clean through but his shot rebounded off the keeper. Simon Lynn picked up the rebound but managed to produce only a soft shot back to the keeper. Locks Heath tactics were crystal clear at this point - push up and try to play offside EVERY time. A minute later and Killick sent Holland clear. Having done the hard work by rounding the keeper Holland skewed his shot badly and missed an open goal. Yet another minute later and Holland produced a superb right wing cross but Killick's free header also missed the mark. With Locks Heath failing to correct their defensive errors it took just one more minute for the offside trap to be sprung again. Lynn sent Holland clear and this time the striker knocked the ball through the keepers legs to score. After another sixty seconds it was 4-0. Both Killick and Holland raced clear and after Killick's shot was saved Holland pounced on the rebound and scored his second of the game. On 75 minutes Rocher nipped in, stole the ball and squared it for Killick to finish and two minutes later Andy Culliford added number six.

To be fair the match looked a little like a pre-season friendly with both teams, at times, seemingly going through the motions. With news that Vospers had secured the point they needed at Brading meant that Poole's last three games are now an exercise in making sure they finish second. Unfortunately next Saturday's match at home to Vospers (NB kick-off time 11.30am due to it being FA Cup Final day) now has little importance although pride is sure to play a part on both sides.

Poole: Stockley, Gater, Avery (Killick), Jones, Adams, Fletcher, Lynn, Culliford, Dancer (Burt), Holland, Rocher
Unused Subs: Moore

Poole returned to action after their nightmare midweek by crossing again to the Isle of Wight to face Brading Town who themselves had drawn against East Cowes Vics on Thursday evening. Neil Wardle and Simon Lynn made welcome returns to the side.

The match was again delayed by 10 minutes as Andy Culliford and Richard Glenister were both rushed to the ground after having had to work late in their respective jobs.

Not being present at the game yesterday, below is a brief summary of events.
After a reasonably solid start by Poole memories of Tuesday night came flooding back when a disaster at the back allowed Brading to take the lead. Although Poole Town began to control the game in their usual manner they were unable to break down the Brading Town defence and went in at half-time losing. Half-Time: 1-0.

A little bit of luck allowed Poole to get back into the game early in the second half. Jamie Holland, on the left, flicked the ball over his shoulder and as he turned the ball glanced off a Brading hand and the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty which everyone, including the Poole contingent, deemed a little harsh. Martin Jones converted and notched his first goal of the season. Six minutes later and The Dolphins were in front. Gary Fletcher won a crucial ball and placed a superb through ball to Glenister who obliged with a clinical finish. With all three points beckoning the Isle of Wight curse struck again when Brading equalised in the last minute with a thumping header.

Despite losing the game in the last minute Poole Town bounced back from the midweek defeat and showed exactly what they were made of. With Vospers marching to their 12th consecutive win in an 18 match unbeaten run Poole must now concentrate on their last four matches to ensure they finish as runners-up.

Poole: Stockley, Gater, Pratt, Wardle, Jones, Fletcher, Maloney, Culliford, Glenister, Holland, Lynn
Subs: Avery, Burt, Moore

A shell shocked Poole Town returned from a disastrous trip to the Isle of Wight with their title dreams hanging by a thread. On a weird night for the club everything seemed to go wrong long before the match kicked off. Firstly a couple of players pulled out late on in the day and then eight travelling players failed to get to the ferry on time for the crossing to Yarmouth. Frantic negotiations followed and East Cowes Vics agreed to put the kick-off back to 8.15pm. With the team changing into their kit on the bus the pre-match preparation was hardly encouraging. On arriving at the ground it was discovered that
the referee had not turned up either but eventually everyone took to the field at the last minute. Poole were able to field a strong 11 man team and Tommy Killick returned to a Poole Town shirt to partner Richard Glenister up front. With the absentees manager Pete Moore took his place as the only available substitute. Despite these problems there was absolutely no excuse for what was to follow over the next 90 minutes and players, officials and supporters alike still cannot understand what happened.

The signs were ominous in the opening minute. East Cowes forced a corner and the resulting kick was met unchallenged to give the home side the lead. On 11 minutes Terry Stockley pulled off a superb save and the ball was cleared off the line. It was evident that Cowes were up for the game and their pace and running up front was causing the Poole defence no end of
problems. On 12 minutes a quick break down the right and a stunning shot saw the hosts two up and The Dolphins were in trouble. On half hour a Louic Rocher free kick was tipped over the bar but this was to be the only plus point from the first half. Within a couple of minutes Stockley allowed a straight forward free kick to get away from him and with no reaction from the defence Cowes nipped in to effectively finish the game. Events took a worse turn on the lead up to half time as Cowes added a fourth on 44 minutes and a fifth in injury time. Half-Time: 5-0.

The second half turned into the one of the most eerie 45 minutes in years. With home support numbering no more than about 15 the remaining Poole supporters stood in stony silence as The Dolphins were systematically taken apart time and again. Even manager Moore's usual shouting from the touchline was missing as the match and performance had long since gone beyond that. Within 10 minutes of the restart Cowes were 7-0 up and it was fair to say that they hadn't even reached top gear. Almost without exception (Paul Maloney apart) every Poole player produced a poor performance and there was only muted applause when Killick unleashed a fierce shot to pull a goal back with seven minutes remaining. The final humiliation arrived a couple of minutes later when Cowes added their eighth of the night.

Within minutes the Poole players and supporters were on the bus home and the journey passed in complete silence. The success that Poole have had over the last couple of years makes any result other than a win hard to take. However, to experience the mauling that we normally impose on other sides was extremely difficult to stomach, and despite the problems prior to the match there was simply no excuses for it at all.

The fact that so many players had played in a Sunday League cup final just two days before must have had an effect and the whole issue of players playing for Poole Town plus Sunday league teams has come to the fore again. Despite players feeling that they can play 3 or 4 games a week at the end of a season it is just not on and a club like Poole Town should have
players who are prepared to play for the club and no-one else. As things stand there is nothing the manager or officials can do to stop players playing for other teams but this must change if Poole Town are to give themselves a 100% chance of future honours - not simply a 98% chance.

Poole: Stockley, Gater, Pratt, Jones, Fletcher, Maloney, Culliford, Holland, Glenister, Killick, Rocher.
Subs: Moore (unused)