Unfortunately no full match report available.

Andover took lead on 28 minutes and this was the score at half time.

Stuart Brown scored a superb equaliser on 57 minutes only for Andover to retake the lead again on 59 minutes. Five minutes later saw Andover take a 3-1 lead and Ryan Toms pulled one back for Poole on 85 minutes.

Despite the bad weather conditions it was a thrilling game of football and Poole gave a good account of themselves.

More detailed report to follow.

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, Kemp, Spalding, Richardson, Harris, Edwards (Reeks), Woolfenden, Brown (Hounsell), Glenister, Chivers (Toms)

Lee Prout is now in charge of the Poole Town FC Youth side (formally Ashdown Rovers). They have a new website which can be found here or from the new link on the left hand menu bar.

A trip to Thatcham Town is always going to be difficult but Tommy Killick's cause was not helped by the unavailability of players. Defensively both Spalding and Hounsell were serving their last suspensions and with Cherrett, Collins (long term injuries), White and Richardson also out injured things looked bleak. Stand in left back Gary Funnell has also been nursing an injury so he was rested on the bench. Elsewhere Darren Crook is still injured and up front Leigh Phillips was unavailable. Added to that was the Dorset County call-ups for both Carl Chivers and Paul Bayston.

The opening 30 minutes however saw Poole as the better side. They had better possession of the ball than Thatcham and looked more dangerous on the break. The youngsters in the side again looked very comfortable on the ball (Sturgess and Harris in particular). However, a further injury blow to Poole occurred on just 18 minutes when Dave Sturgess limped off to be replaced by Gary Bartlett.

On 21 minutes Stuart Brown clipped a nice ball over the defence and Glenister raced away down the right. From a tight angle he unleashed a fierce shot but the home keeper did well to palm the ball over the bar for a corner. The entire game changed on the half hour mark. A ball over the Poole defence saw Reeks caught for pace and as a Thatcham player rounded the keeper his shot was handled on the line by Reeks who was trying to get back. A straight red was the only option and Davies duly scored from the penalty spot to give the home side an undeserved lead.

With an understrength side and now down to ten men the task for Poole was huge. They still continued to play some good football but in pressing for an equaliser they inevitably left gaps at the back. On 37 minutes Mitchener was rounded again but this time Whitley made a great block on the line. A minute later however and another low cross from the right eluded all the defenders and Green tapped in at the far post. On 42 minutes a Poole freekick found Brown and he set up the ball for Ross Edwards who drove it just wide of the right hand post. It was still difficult to tell which team had ten men at this stage. On the stroke of half time Thatcham made the game safe when a ball wasn't cleared properly by the Poole defence and a shot across Mitchener found it's way into the far left hand corner. Half time: 3-0.

The second half was about playing for pride and in fariness the Poole boys did give it a go. On 52 minutes Mitchener made a tremendous double save when it looked odds on a goal for Thatcham. On 62 minutes Brown ran on to a great through ball and with just the keeper to beat he clipped his shot high over the bar. It was a good chance. Six minutes later and Poole did pull a goal back. Brown played Glenister through and as the keeper came out the striker knocked it under him and into the net. Thatcham got their fourth on 73 minutes when a super cross from the right was headed firmly past Mitchener - the goalie had no chance.

This was always going to be a damage limitation exercise for Poole and the team that Tommy could put out did actually play fairly well. Certainly when it was eleven v eleven, Poole more than contributed to the game and it was clear that this Thatcham performance was not a patch on the Wessex League semi final one against Poole just six months ago.

Finally - good to see Joe Collins make the journey up to Berkshire to watch the Poole boys in action. If only he could have been playing!

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, Reeks, Kemp, Harris, Sturgess (Bartlett), Edwards, Woolfenden, Brown, Glenister, Toms (Jackson)

With Danny Hounsell (suspended) and Taffy Richardson (injured) both out, Ross Edwards and Darren Reeks both came into the starting eleven. Sturgess dropped to the bench as Richard Glenister also returned to the side.

With a decent crowd of 151 watching, the match got off to an explosive if somewhat bizarre start. On 4 minutes Brockenhurst took the lead after Mitchener and the defence had contrived to present an easy opening the the ball was despatched across the keeper into the corner. Two minutes later and Brockenhurst doubled their lead - and their total league goal tally for the season! The ball into the box dropped just in front of Mitchener and after failing to catch the ball cleanly a Brockenhurst player had an open goal to pass the ball into.

Poole needed to get going immediately and this did wake them up. Poole's first goal came on 12 minutes and was stranger than the first two. Phillips crossed the ball into the box and the Brockenhurst number 6 controlled the ball before lashing the ball into the top corner from the penalty spot for a spectacular own goal.

This inspired Poole forward and Ryan Woolfenden, causing all sorts of problems down the left, saw two shots aimed straight at the keeper in quick succession. Another goalkeeping error on 30 minutes saw another gift wrapped chance for Brockenhurst but this time their shooting was poor and the chance was wasted. A minute later and Poole were level. Following some good pressure a cross from the left eluded all but Brown on the right and his low cross to the far post saw Glenister on hand to tap home the equaliser. Half time: 2-2.

Straight from the kick off Brockenhurst attacked down the left and Mitchener came racing out of his box. Failing to get to the ball he was lucky that again the visitors finishing was poor. On 50 minutes Glenister was sent clean through but his shot was tame and aimed straight at the keeper.

The second half saw Poole on top and it really looked as though they would go on and win the game. On the hour mark the excellent Stuart Brown got clear down the right and his shot across the face of the goal saw the visiting keeper (ex Poole Neil Potter) get a good hand to it and tipped it just round the far post. Five minutes later and Poole produced the move of the match. Great passing through the midfield saw the ball crossed to Phillips but as he knocked the ball home the linesman had his flag up - offside?

Straight from the freekick Poole amazingly found themselves 3-2 down as Brockenhurst went straight down the field and scored. Tommy Killick brought on the youngsters Sturgess, Chivers and Alli Harris and Harris in particular added an extra element to Poole on the right. As the clock reached ninety minutes the referee added three minutes extra time and in the 93rd minute Poole salvaged a point when Leigh Phillips leapt to head home his fourth of the season.

What can only be described as a bit of a horror show in defence (except Luke Whitley who once again was tremendous) saw Poole drop two points at home in a game they really should have won. With four games at home without a win Poole will probably be relieved to be on the road again this Saturday although a trip to Thatcham may not be the best cure after this display!

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, Kemp, Funnell, Bartlett (Harris), Woolfenden, Edwards (Sturgess), Reeks, Brown, Phillips, Glenister (Chivers)

After their midweek Mark Frowde cup success it was back to league action for Poole Town as they travelled to Guy Whittingham's AFC Newbury. With no Matty White, Gary Funnell reverted to left back and Sturgess took his position in midfield. Stuart Brown made his first league appearance of the season after his switch back to Poole from Winchester City.

From the opening whistle this was a totally one-sided game with Poole enjoying almost total possession throughout the match. The defence looked extremely solid when called into action although this proved to be a rare occurrence.

On 8 minutes the ball was flicked through to Dave Sturgess and but his shot from the right side of the box went wide of the left hand post. The rest of the first half saw no goalscoring opportunities at all as Poole played some good attractive football but failed to find the killer strike on goal. At times the play seemed over complicated as though every player wanted a touch before a shot could be struck. Just prior to the break Taffy Richardson picked up a knock and was replaced by Ross Edwards, making his welcome league debut for Poole. Half time: 0-0.

Poole again controlled the second half but this time there was more purpose about their play as they looked for the elusive goal. On 54 minutes Gary Bartlett did well down the right and his deep cross was met by the excellent Ryan Woolfenden on the left side of the box and his first time volley dipped over the keeper but skimmed the top of the bar. Three minutes later and a Woolfenden corner dropped to Edwards but his fierce shot was blocked by a defender with the keeper beaten.

On 65 minutes the home team were reduced to ten men when a nasty two footed challenge left a Poole player on the deck. The referee had no option but to issue a straight red card and the only person on or off the field who was surprised was the Newbury captain who argued at length that it was the first foul by the sent off player. That may have been the case but it was two footed, dangerous and totally unnecessary - what other option did the ref have? From the freekick Bartlett received the ball but his shot was tipped over the bar for a corner.

With time running out it began to look as though it would end a stalemate. Certainly Newbury were not going to score, it was just a case of Poole converting their dominance into a goal. On 70 minutes Woolfenden produced a great surging run from midfield and after beating three players his shot was tipped round the post for another corner.

With ten minutes remaining Poole clinched the points with a fantastic strike. Luke Whitley (the find of the season?) powered forward from the half way line as as the home side backed off he let fly a tremendous right foot shot from 25 yards out that dipped into the top left corner of the net.

Poole nearly made it two in the dying minutes when substitute Chivers played Stuart Brown (another very game - great to have him back) in down the right and his first time volley was well tipped over by the home keeper.

A very good result for Poole and another solid performance where hard work and good team spirit eventually saw them take home the points.

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, Hounsell (Chivers), Kemp, Funnell, Woolfenden, Bartlett, Richardson (Edwards), Sturgess (Reeks), Brown, Phillips

Due to Gosport Borough's involvement in the FA Cup, the home fixture of 24th September has been postponed. Poole Town will instead travel to Thatcham Town. So next three Saturday's - away at AFC Newbury, Thatcham Town and Larkhall Athletic...... three 'down the road games' and easy ones at that!!

At Hamworthy United.

Poole Town Scorers: Phillips (55), Edwards (75)

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, Hounsell, Kemp, Bayston, Woolfenden (Toms), Harris, Funnell, Sturgess, Brown (Chivers), Phillips

After the great win at Fareham in midweek it was back on the road again for the Dolphins as they visited Winchester City in Wessex Division 1. With Tommy Killick sticking to the same starting eleven this was always going to be one of the hardest games of the season.

From the very start Winchester City looked a class side and they posed Poole all sorts of problems the entire afternoon. With Dyke making superb runs down the right and Musselwhite and Mancey up front, supported by the excellent Liam Green in midfield it really was a tough afternoon for the visitors. On 8 minutes Ryan Woolfenden made a clumsy challenge in the box and the referee had no chance but to award a penalty. Green converted.

Winchester heaped on the pressure and a good passing move on 14 minutes saw a fine shot well saved by Mitchener who once again had a very good game indeed. Poole began to find their feet in the game as the half wore on and on 28 minutes were awarded a freekick on the edge of the box. The ball was blocked and as it dropped Matty White fired a sweet sidefoot shot which whistled just over the bar.

Back came City and on 36 minutes a great cross from Dyke was met by the head of Musselwhite but the ball went just wide of the left hand post. The second goal for City came on 42 minutes/ Green raced into the box and took a neat pass in his stride. As Mitchener came out Green squared the ball for Musselwhite to score with his second attempt whilst sat on the ground! Half time: 2-0.

With Carl Chivers not getting a kick in the first half Richard Glenister came on for the start of the second half and his physical presence did help to keep the ball a little better for Poole. On 57 minutes however it was City who added their third. Some soft defending saw the ball only half cleared and Dyke's shot took a deflection to beat Mitchener in the left hand corner.

With the game now gone Poole actually settled better and produced some good football. From the restart Hounsell and Bartlett combined well down the right and Bartlett's cross was headed just wide by Leigh Phillips. Sturgess and Harris replaced Bartlett and Woolfenden and once again Sturgess showed some great touches and awareness in the midfield.

On 66 minutes Musselwhite broke through some poor defending again and this time Kemp brought him down in the box. There is no question it was a penalty and Kemp was possibly lucky to only get a yellow card. Green made no mistake from the spot.

A few more shots from City saw some excellent goalkeeping from young Mitchener - he really had a fine game. On 89 minutes Poole produced some good passing and eventually Funnell squared the ball to Sturgess and his fine shot was superbly saved by Hook in the City goal. It was great football all round.

No arguments over this result. City were simply the much better side and they will not be far away from the title come the end of the season. Poole battled well but know the standards they must reach over the coming seasons.

One final piece of good news - the Winchester City programme (excellent) announced the release of Stuart Brown with the comment that he could well be heading back to Poole. This has been confirmed and Brown is due to play against Poole Borough on Tuesday night. Welcome back Stu - a most welcome return!

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, S. Richardson, Kemp, Bartlett (Sturgess), Woolfenden (Harris), White, Funnell, Hounsell, Chivers (Glenister), Phillips

Graham Kemp made his expected and welcome return to the Poole Town side as they took on the tricky away game at Fareham Town. With Neal Spalding suspended, Matty White took over the captain's armband and slotted into defence again alongside Kemp and the ever impressive Luke Whitley.

From the very start Poole looked very lively with some good passing right across the pitch. However, it was Fareham who fashioned the first good chance. A corner from the right eluded everyone in the six yard box and the ball bounced away to safety.

On 17 minutes a Funnell freekick was well met by Gary Bartlett but his header went just over the bar. On 28 minutes Fareham should have taken the lead. Some great movement down the left ended up with the ball squared but the striker somehow managed to put the ball wide of the left hand post with the Poole goal beckoning.

The Dolphins won the game with a goal that deserved to win any game. On 39 minutes Poole earned a corner on the left hand side. Funnell crossed the ball to just outside the penalty area and Ryan Woolfenden volleyed it first time with a shot which blasted past everyone into the left hand corner of the net. It was superbly worked and superbly executed. This was a very good period for Poole as they pushed for another goal. Before half time a great cross from the right saw Phillips get up well but his header went just wide of the left hand post. Half time: 0-1.

55 minutes saw one of the best saves you could ever wish to see. Fareham got a freekick on the edge of the box and as the Poole defence was still organising they quickly took it. The ball looped towards the top corner but Leigh Mitchener made a fantastic leap to tip the ball away from right under the bar. Wit the home team becoming more frustrated at their blank sheet the game took an ugly turn on 63 minutes. The Fareham no. 11 Wood suddenly took a dive clutching his face in an effort to get Taffy Richardson sent off. The Poole players, and supporters, were incensed. Indeed even two Fareham supporters commented that Wood was a total embarrassment to the club for what he did - it was blatant cheating. After extensive physio (why?) the referee booked the Fareham winger for the dive.

Poole continued to look dangerous on the break with Phillips and Chivers hassling the Fareham defence into all sorts of errors. With ten minutes remaining a great cross from the right was met by a free Fareham header but luckily the ball fell straight into Mitchener's arms. Two minutes later and Woolfenden produced an heroic block on in the box as a Fareham player shaped to shoot. And in injury time a Fareham freekick whistled just over the bar.

Poole held on to complete a fantastic away win. With a makeshift defence (although they were all superb and again Kempy produced a quality performance at the back) this was a great result. Every single player on the pitch contributed mightily to perhaps the most satisfying win since Tommy took over as manager last year.


Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, S. Richardson, Kemp, Bartlett, Woolfenden, White, Funnell, Hounsell, Chivers (Bayston), Phillips

As reported on the Poole Town Clubcall Line (09066 555884), Graham Kemp has left Brockenhurst and signed for Poole Town. He goes straight into the side for the away trip to Fareham Town tomorrow night. Kemp made 18 appearances for Poole at the end of 2002 season and start of 2003 season and in that spell Poole recorded 10 clean sheets. We welcome Kempy back to the club - it's a great boost given the absence of Collins, Cherrett and Spalding (see below).

Neal Spalding has now started a 3 week suspension period.

The home game saw some changes in the Poole team. Back came youngsters Gary Bartlett, Marc Jackson and Carl Chivers and Leigh Mitchener took over the goalkeeper jersey.

With two FA Cup wins and an unbeaten league run so far, Moneyfields were always going to be a tough team to play against and Poole really had to dig deep in this match to earn a hard fought point. To be fair neither side appeared to be at their best and it certainly wasn't the prettiest of games but Poole will be satisfied to have stopped the run of three defeats and there were some positives from the game.

The Dolphins nearly got off to a flyer in the opening minute. A good run down the right from Bartlett saw him cross into the box and Leigh Phillips rose to head just wide of the post with the keeper beaten. The first half was a little bit scrappy and yellow cards were awarded to both sides - Poole picking up bookings for Richardson, Hounsell and Bartlett. Any chances for Moneyfields were limited to efforts from long range and Mitchener looked fairly assured on all crosses into the box.

Just before half time a Moneyfields defender raised his foot too high in the box and the referee awarded an indirect freekick. With the wall back nearly on the goal line the ball was tapped to Funnell but his shot was a poor one (Leigh Phillip's subsequent comment being the funniest point of the game!). Half time: 0-0.

As the second half wore on it did seem that the Poole defence began to look a little jittery and this seemed to give Moneyfields some confidence going forward. On 56 minutes a powerful shot from the visitors crashed off the Poole right hand post but the ball bounced away to safety. Two minutes later and Poole managed to create a good chance. Chivers did well on the right and his cross was met by the head of Phillips but, with the keeper wrong footed, the ball dropped just over the bar.

Poole produced another good move on 77 minutes. Bartlett broke down the left and as he approached the area he knocked the ball square to Funnell but his shot dragged just wide of the right hand post.

A better performance and result from Poole but they will need to improve further with tough away trips to Fareham and Winchester City in the next week.

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, S. Richardson, Spalding, Bartlett (Toms), Jackson (Crook), White, Funnell, Hounsell, Chivers (Sturgess), Phillips