With all the various cup competitions going on at the moment it was good for Poole to get back to a bit of league action on Saturday as they took on Bemerton Heath Harlequins at Tatnam. With Hankey's departure to Andover, Steve Gilbert returned to the starting line-up.

Poole got off to a good start and took the lead as early as the eighth minute. Benssaouda got clean through and after his shot was blocked Steve Strong noticed the keeper off his line and produced a fine chip over him into the empty net.

The remainder of the first half was a fairly dour affair with neither side creating much in the way of goal chances. Funnell and Skelton ensured that Poole were winning the midfield battle but all too often the final ball from Poole was poor. Despite dominating the possession Poole simply could not extend their lead. On 45 minutes a Funnell corner curled into the back post and Whitley found himself unmarked but his header went narrowly over the bar. On the stroke of half-time Strong picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Carl Chivers.

Half time: 1-0.

Bemerton looked a little brighter in the second half and had the ball in the Poole net on 49 minutes only for the ref to blow for a prior infringement. From the freekick Poole broke away up the pitch and Hogan was sent clear on the right. His right foot shot brought a fine save from the keeper as he got his hand down well to the ball.

On 56 minutes, after a good period of pressure, Funnell broke from midfield. He skipped past one player and then rode a very late lunge from another. Rather than go down he kept going into the box but his shot flashed across the goal and wide of the right hand post.

On 61 minutes Glenister replaced the injured Benssaouda and the Poole 'supersub' took just three minutes before scoring his first of the game. The ever impressive Alan Jordan at the back produced a superb diagonal ball which split the Bemerton defence on the right and Hogan was clear again down the right. As he arrowed in on goal he squared the ball across the goalmouth and despite a defender getting a block on it, Glenister was on hand to bundle the ball home and double Poole's lead.

This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Bemerton and from this point on Poole created numerous chances. On 75 minutes a Bemerton goalkick was 'knee'd'(!) back over the defence by Jordan and Glenister found himself one on one with the keeper. His attempted lob dropped wide of the post. Three minutes later and Hogan this time beat the offside trap and with the keeper rushing out he tried to dink it over him but again the ball flew high over the bar.

With ten minutes remaining Poole found themselves three on two in the Bemerton half and Chivers ran in before sliding the ball to the far post where Hogan made no mistake to make it 3-0. It was Chivers the Provider again on 88 minutes when he received the ball, produced a great turn before passing to Glenister who fired into the net despite the keeper getting a hand to the shot.

A fairly comfortable win for the Dolphins and three invaluable points to keep the pressure on at the top.

Poole: Frampton, Whitley, Jordan, Gilbert, Sturgess, Hogan, Funnell, Skelton (C. Smith), Richardson, Strong (Chivers), Benssaouda (Glenister)

Following Poole's win over Budleigh Salterton in the FA Vase, this Saturday 30th September is confirmed as Poole V Bemerton Heath Harlequins in the league.

Wednesday 4th October - Poole Town V Downton (League) - 7.45pm.
Saturday 7th October - Poole Town V Frome Town (FA Vase 1st Round) - 3.00pm
Saturday 14th October - Poole Town V Locks Heath (Hampshire Senior CUp 1st Round)

The reserves fixture at home to Lymington Town on 14th October has been switched and Lymington Town will now be at home.

Full report to follow.

Attendence: 173.

Poole Town will now be at home to Frome Town on Saturday 7th October in the 1st Round Proper.

Poole Town made the long trip to deepest Devon as they faced Budleigh Salterton in the 2nd Qualifying round of the FA Vase.
Aaron Skelton and Mark Hankey both returned to the side after missing the league defeat at Lymington Town on Tuesday night.

A 3-3 scoreline usually makes for an exciting game but generally the standard of football in this match was pretty poor with Poole failing to get anywhere near their form of just a couple of weeks ago. Despite going ahead three times in the game they also failed to close the game out in a professional manner and this was particularly frustrating.

Poole started the game very brightly. Benssaouda was fouled on the corner of the box on 7 minutes and Aaron Skelton curled a superb freekick round the wall into the top right corner to put Poole ahead and secure his first goal for the club. Straight from the kick-off Poole won the ball back and Funnell produced a trademark volley which beat the keeper all ends up but crashed back off the crossbar. The ball fell nicely to Benssaouda a few yards out but his hurried shot flew high over the bar. The lead lasted only five minutes. Sloppy defending from Poole allowed a Budleigh player to shoot from twenty yards out and Frampton seemed too far off his line as the volley dipped over him to level the match.

Another chance fell to Benssaouda on 20 minutes. Trefor Smith played a great ball through the defence to set him clear on the left but he poked his shot just wide of the right hand post. On 38 minutes Hankey uncharacteristically lost a header and this allowed the home side to fashion a right foot shot which flashed just past the post.

Half time: 1-1.

As in the first half Poole started the better and took the lead again almost straight away. A harmless looking cross from the right saw the Budleigh defence stood still and Carl Chivers managed to fire a shot into the ground which bounced over the keeper into the far corner for a fairly soft goal. On 56 minutes Poole should have extended the lead further. Another Skelton freekick found Benssaouda unmarked at the far post but from two yards out he managed to guide his header the wrong side of the post. Two minutes later and a Funnell ball over the defence sent Benssaouda clear again. This time he cut in, beat two defenders and squared the ball only for Funnell's shot to be blocked en route to the net.

In a copycat move on 75 minutes substitute Saadi beat two defenders on the left and cut the ball back but this time it was Benssaouda's shot which went wide of the right hand post. A minute later and Budleigh were level once again. A ball into the Poole area saw the striker totally mishit his shot and the ball bounced into the ground and over Frampton, 2-2. There were further chances for both sides and Funnell had a glorious chance right on 90 minutes but his volley went well over from a good position. Eventually the ref blew up for the 90 minutes and the start of extra time.

Full Time: 2-2.

With 100 minute played Poole took the lead for the third time in the match. They had a freekick just outside the box and with everyone expecting Funnell to produce the normal effort on goal he instead played the ball into substitute Glenister who finished before the referee blew up for an infringement. The freekick had to be retaken and Funnell this time went for goal and clinically curled it round the wall and into the net.

With five minutes left on the clock it looked as though Poole would secure passage to the first round proper but a good passing move from Budleigh ended with a fine finish on the left hand side of the area. Both teams will now have to try again at Tatnam on Wednesday 27th September - 7.45pm kick-off.

Poole: Frampton, Whitley, Jordan, Hankey, Sturgess, Hogan, T. Smith (Guetlin), Funnell, Skelton (Saadi), Chivers, Benssaouda (Glenister)

Well, if you know what to expect when you travel to Fareham Town (see previous match report) you also know what to expect when you visit Lymington Town in the New Forest............ defeat! Poole's record has been abysmal at Lymington since we started going there some six years ago managing just two draws and the rest defeats. So it was to prove yet again as in form Poole (15 goals in last 3 games) were roundly beaten off the park by three goals to nil.

With no Aaron Skelton, Steve Strong or Mark Hankey there was room in the starting eleven for Steve Gilbert, Carl Chivers and a first start for Chris Smith.

The first half was a fairly dour affair although Poole did enjoy more of the possession. Chances were few and far between for both sides - the first effort was a long range effort from Gary Funnell on 14 minutes which went over the bar. On 35 minutes it was Funnell again - this time his freekick from wide on the right was fumbled by the home keeper and the ball dropped just wide of the post and went for a corner.

Against the run of play Lymington took the lead on 41 minutes. The goal came from nowhere - the ball dropped outside of the area but a superb left foot volley dipped over Frampton and found it's way into the right hand corner of the net - it was a great strike.

Half time: 1-0.

Lymington certainly looked as if the goal had given them extra confidence and they started the second half well. On 49 minutes they got a freekick just outside the Poole box on the right. Another stunning finish followed as the skipper drilled the ball with his left foot straight into the top right corner. Again Frampton had no chance. Uncharacteristically it really did look like the Poole heads went down at this stage and there was a definite resigned feeling to the outcome of the game. Whilst Lymington are not particularly special in any one area and are not even that great to watch there is no doubt that they certainly know how to play as a team and they simply proceeded to break down everything that Poole attempted to do. And did it well!

Poole's biggest chance to get back in the game came on 59 minutes. Carl Chivers did well and after finding some space he squared the ball to an unmarked Benssaouda but his shot sailed harmlessly over the bar from just a few yards out. Seven minutes later and it was game over as Benssaouda lost the ball on the halfway line and Lymington promptly broke up the field, rounded Frampton and tucked away their third of the night.

Fawzi Saadi came on as substitute after being out injured since the opening day and James Guetlin (7 appearances for Poole in 2003/04) also came on with Richard Glenister towards the end. It made little difference and Poole suffered their second league defeat of the season. A disappointing result and performance but these always seem to come along every once in a while (and always at Lymington!).

Poole: Frampton, Whitley, Jordan, Gilbert (Guetlin), Sturgess (Glenister), Hogan, C. Smith (Saadi), T. Smith, Funnell, Chivers, Benssaouda

Travelling to top of the table Fareham Town you know what lies in store. A great surface to play football on, a deadly strike force for the home side who will score lots of goals this season and behind them a very physical side who will get desperate and rougher through the game if they are put under pressure. Add to the mix a poor referee and this was always going to be an explosive affair. It didn't disappoint.  

With regular keeper Max Frampton unavailable, Leigh Mitchener stepped up from the reserves to make his first start of the season for the first team. A welcome return too for Stuart Brown who started on the bench.

Both sides started well playing good football and looking to attack when possible. The first meaningful shot came on 9 minutes when Benssaouda found Funnell and his shot was deflected just wide for a corner. Fareham hit back and a shot on 13 minutes brought a smart save from Mitchener. Two minutes later and the home side took the lead. Hankey actually made a superb last ditch tackle to deny a shot but as the ball rolled loose to the left Hunt drove a left footed shot beyond Mitchener low into the right hand corner.

On 20 minutes a good passing move from Poole ended with Strong putting Benssaouda in but his volley was high and wide when you expected him to bury it from close range. Two minutes later and Benssaouda found himself with the ball out by the right corner flag. He immediately made for the goal and managed to twist and turn his way past two defenders along the goal line before pulling the ball back only for Strong to mistime his shot.

On the half hour Hankey picked up a yellow card and from the resulting freekick Mitchener saved well at the far post. Three minutes later and Poole should have been given a penalty. Benssaouda again tormented two defenders and after beating them his shirt was clearly tugged as he was pulled back from the goal. The referee was well placed but gave nothing.

At this stage everything was going against Poole and Jamie Laidlaw made matters worse on 37 minutes when he scored a fine goal for Fareham. They produced a superb passing move and when Laidlaw got the ball he dropped his shoulder, beat the defender and rifled in a shot with his right foot. Still Poole kept playing good football and on 40 minutes they pulled a goal back. A Funnell corner was met by the towering Hankey and after his firm header was only half dealt with, Luke Whitley was on hand to bundle the ball over the line. A minute later Laidlaw was booked for diving and just before half time, incredibly, the referee again ignored the most blatant penalty you would ever see. Funnell picked out a superb pass to Benssaouda wide on the right. Again he cut into the box and beat one defender. Having pushed the ball past another, the defender simply stuck his leg out and literally pushed the Poole striker over it. It was so clumsy it was almost funny but again the ref waved play on - unbelievable.

Half time: 2-1.

Obviously feeling aggrieved at being behind at the break Poole came out second half and immediately drew level. Just two minutes into the half and Strong's right foot shot was only parried by the keeper and Hankey was on hand to head home - his first goal for the club.

On 49 minutes Benssaouda was floored yet again in the box and at last penalty was awarded. Funnell stepped up and hit it well enough but Webber made a fantastic save, tipping the ball away to his right. The game ebbed and flowed from here with both sides looking to win it. On 58 minutes a good Fareham move saw a shot whistle just over the Poole bar and on the hour mark a low ball right across the face of the Poole goalmouth was not dealt with and Hunt tucked it away at the far post to put Fareham in front once again.

On 72 minutes the excellent Trefor Smith again ran at the Fareham defenders and once into the box they again couldn't resist bringing down a Poole player and the referee awarded Poole their second (should have been fourth!) penalty. Benssaouda immediately grabbed the ball and clinically found the top right corner to bring the game back to 3-3.

It was still al action and on 74 minutes a fine Fareham move saw a left foot shot just go over the bar. Fareham's physical approach to the game had already earnt them five or six yellow cards and on 84 minutes another bad foul by Middleton saw his second yellow and the resultant red as he was sent off. Poole were not to be denied a fine victory however and on 88 minutes substitute Carl Chivers went on a blistering run down the right before delivering a pinpoint cross to Benssaouda who got in front of the defender to hammer home the Poole winner. Two goal hero for Fareham Warren Hunt was then sent off following the goal after picking up a second yellow for dissent.

This was a great team performance from Poole who never gave up despite being 2-0 and 3-2 down during the match. A cracking game and a very happy journey home. Well done lads.

Poole: Mitchener, Whitley, Jordan, Hankey, D. Sturgess, Skelton (Brown), Funnell, T. Smith, Hogan, Benssaouda, Strong (Chivers)

Poole returned to cup action at Tatnam with a visit of local Dorset side Verwood Town for the first round of the Wessex League Cup. Having reached the semi finals for the last two years it is clear that manager Killick wants to go even further this year as he put out a very strong side for the tie, even with the Fareham league match just 3 days away. With Richardson omitted and Benssaouda rested on the bench, Carl Chivers started and Skelton returned to the side. With Hankey unavailable Steve Gilbert also made a welcome return from injury.

With the rain cascading down by kick-off it was a very wet slippery surface which faced the players of both sides. On 3 minutes Funnell had a trademark shot from outside the box comfortably saved by the Verwood keeper. On 14 minutes a long ball from the back saw it bounce over the last Verwood defender and Steve Strong raced away. After a mix-up between the keeper and a defender trying to get back the ball dropped to Strong again and with an open goal he managed to blast his shot high and wide left from 18 yards.

Two minutes later and a superb ball from the right found Strong nip in front of his marker and his first time volley was superbly tipped over the bar for a corner. Good football al round. The chances were now coming thick and fast and a minute later Strong was away again down the left. As the keeper came out he unselfishly squared the ball but this time it was Sean Hogan racing in who hammered it over the bar from close range. Was it going to be one of those nights?

With the Poole defence again looking extremely solid and unforgiving Poole practically camped in the Verwood half. On 43 minutes a Funnell corner to the back post saw Gilbert unmarked and his header looped over the keeper but was headed off the line by a well positioned defender.

Half time: 0-0.

The second half followed a similar pattern as Poole created chance after chance and Verwood found themselves unable to get out of their own half. On 54 minutes some great Poole passing eventually saw the ball crossed from the left and Strong's header narrowly went over the corner of bar and post. The deadlock was finally broken a minute later. Crisp passing again as a superb ball sent Hogan down the right. His first time pinpoint cross was met by Strong and he volleyed home to complete a great move.

Benssaouda replaced Chivers on 65 minutes and eight minutes later Glenister replaced Strong. On 81 minutes Verwood got a rare freekick around the Poole box. The delivery was poor and within ten seconds Poole were two up! The counter was quick and deadly - the ball finding it's way to Benssaouda on the right. As he cut in he made some space, looked up and superbly curled the ball around the keeper into the left hand corner from twenty yards - a great strike.

Two minutes later and some more good passing saw Smith provide a pass to Benssaouda. Quick as a flash he unleashed a fierce shot from outside the box and with the keeper beaten the ball cannoned off the bar to safety. Poole completed the scoring on 87 minutes. Funnell picked the ball up on the edge of the box and after shaping to shoot he then slid a great pass to an unmarked Glenister and the substitute tucked it away to score his second in successive games.

Poole will now travel to Shaftesbury in the second round.

Poole: Frampton, Whitley, Jordan, Gilbert, D. Sturgess, Skelton (Bayston), Funnell, T. Smith, Hogan, Chivers (Benssaouda), Strong (Glenister)

Report Courtesy of Ian Claxton

It could have happened against Bournemouth on Bank Holiday Monday. It should have happened on Tuesday night at Wimborne. It did happen in this hastily re-arranged league fixture against Alton on Saturday at the Tatnam. Despite all efforts on the local jungle drums, grapevine and website, only 112 people got the word and turned up at Tatnam for what was scheduled to be a reserve game. But they witnessed this seasons Dolphin’s squad hit top form and put on a blistering display of football that lit up Alton’s goal like a pinball machine.

Poole served notice to the visitors that they had best be awake from first whistle as the ball was sent direct from the kick-off in a high arc towards the Alton goal. Their keeper scrambled back into his net and caught it, holding it just over the goal line for a few seconds while trying not to fall backwards! The next ten minutes were scrappy while the teams settled in. Taffy didn’t look too comfortable with proceedings and for a while it looked as if the away form evident on Tuesday night had deserted the team on home turf once more. In the eleventh minute, Taffy cleared a bit of space for himself with some neat turns and lobbed the ball towards the far post, where Karim needed no invitation to slam it into the Alton net with his first touch. It came out of nowhere. Three minutes later after some neat passing by Smith and Sturgess on the left, Steve Strong added a second with a low driving shot from 25 yards out when again their seemed no immediate threat on the Alton defence. Poole 2-0.

That lit the touch paper and for the rest of the half Poole made Alton virtually prisoners in their own penalty area. With Alan Jordan and the towering Mark Hankey patrolling the halfway line, Dave Sturgess pushed forward and backed up Trefor Smith for the attacks on the left flank with Luke Whitley and Sean Hogan doing the same on the right flank. Taffy, roamed behind Karim, Strongy and Funnell in the centre and the balls came in thick and fast first from one wing and then the other. Any Alton response or attempt to break out was quickly snuffed out by Hankey and Jordan and the ball sent back in. As a result Alton’s game plan fell apart. On 17 minutes, Karim got his second from 15 yards out after shooting attempts by Hogan, Strongy and the initial cross from Sturgess had all been saved ‘off the line’ by some desperate defending. Poole 3-0. On 23 minutes. Gary Funnelll got in on the act and had a screamer from 30 yards saved, by Nat Sayers in the Alton goal. Two minutes later Smith sent a cross in from the left that Taffy met, but his shot went wide..

On 35 minutes Poole made their first substitution and Carl Chivers joined the attack after Taffy had requested that he be replaced. It took Carl just three minutes to find the net with another lovely shot.

Half-time 4-0.

Poole started the second half as they ended the first, But Alton looked a bit more organised at the back and started Steve Larvan for Lee Marker at right back after the break, but while the dam held, the flood continued. However, With a 4-0 cushion and constant pressure up front, Poole got a little lax at the back and on 57 minutes, the visitors broke quickly from the back and neat pass from Darren Robson found Nat Sherbourne in space and in putting his shot beyond Big Max before Hankey could close him down, he put Alton on the scoreboard. Score Poole 4-1
The visitors made a second change on 60 minutes, bringing on Ian Heather for Mark Corbett and for the next ten minutes made a game of it. However a yellow card for Alton’s Ian Humble for a push on Gary Funnell when he was about to pull the trigger and another a few minutes later to Danny Vincent for another tackle from behind on Funnell, signalled the start of another assault on the visitors goal.

Funnell hit the post from his free kick, and with Paul Bayston replacing Steve Strong on 67 minutes the fresh legs started to have effect.
Sean Hogan’s low shot off of Chivers cross for Poole’s fifth on 73 minutes was the death knell and Alton’s composure again deserted them. Trefor Smith picked up a knock and had to depart after his latest encounter with Darren Robson who, unable to deal with Trefor’s pace and trickery had resorted to the tactic of just bundling him over in early in the first half. Richard Glenister replaced him on 77 minutes and with his first touch just seconds later, headed in the sixth goal from 2 yards out. Poole were 7-1 up within 90 seconds when Glenister flicked on a cross from Luke Whitley on the right into Chivers path and Carl slamed home his second of the day from 4 yds. Dave Sturgess put in another solid performance and capped it with a blistering shot from 30 yards out that would grace any occasion. On this day it was even more special as it was Poole's eighth goal and their third in three minutes.

Understandably our players started to coast the last 10 minutes, but with Killick yelling for continued effort to round off the performance with pride and commitment, they again lifted themselves into the attack.
Sean Hogan was yellow-carded for another untidy challenge on 82 mins and finally Darren Robson got his well–deserved caution after turning his attentions to Karim and flooring him, since Trefor was now off the pitch. Karim pulled up just before the end after chasing down a ball into the corner and limped off the field, leaving Poole to finish with 10 men and Alton’s Sub Ian Heather got the last yellow for throwing the ball away in frustration after a disputed throw-in .
Referee, Mr Foster and his two assistances again did the Men in Black proud, allowing the play to flow, and keeping a tight and sensible rein on play. Well done gents. But the real stars were our Dolphins, It was a fantastic display, a day to say “I was there when……”

POOLE ; Max Frampton, Sean Hogan (Y), Alan Jordan (C), Luke Whitley, Mark Hankey. Steve Richardson ( Sub: Carl Chivers 35 mins (2) ), Gary Funnell, Steve Strong (1) ( Sub Paul Bayston, 67 mins), Trefor Smith ( Sub: Richard Glenister 77 mins (1) ) , Karim Benssaouda (2), Dave Sturgesss (1) Subs not Used : Steve Gilbert, Adam Mills , Leigh Mitchener.

Following Poole's exit from the FA Cup on Saturday and Wimborne's 4-0 defeat at Gosport Borough in the league, both sides went into this Sydenhams (Wessex) Premier league encounter looking to bounce back and get back to winning ways.

Poole started much the brighter of the two sides and from the start it was clear that they intended to continue their winning sequence against their local rivals. As early as the third minute and Gary Funnell blasted a shot that was well saved but Funnell surged again past defenders to meet the rebound and another fierce drive went just wide of the post. Wimborne hit back and created a good chance. They broke down the right and the final shot was well saved by Frampton who conceded a corner.

Karim Benssaouda was certainly up for this game and he continued to cause problems for Wimborne all night. On 9 minutes he picked the ball up wide on the right before cutting in and unleashing a 30 yard effort which Kearns in the Wimborne goal did well to tip over the bar for a corner. Two minutes later and the excellent Trefor Smith won the ball and fed it inside to Funnell. he found Benssaouda with a good pass and the final shot whistled just over the Wimborne bar. Poole were really piling on the pressure at this point and after a further two minutes Poole got a freekick just outside the box on the right. Funnell produced another cracking kick which Kearns managed to get across to and push around the post for another corner.

Again Wimborne hit back and on the quarter hour mark they produced a fine passing move down the left hand side of the pitch. The resulting cross from the left found a player totally unmarked on the right but his volley flashed across the face of goal and eventually went for a goalkick. Still, Poole pressed and Funnell produced a couple more fearsome shots from the 30 yard range which had to be dealt with.

On 28 minutes Poole were awarded yet another freekick on the edge of the box and this time Funnell curled it low around the wall which Kearns could only palm away before it was cleared to safety. Considering the number of chances it was unbelievable that the game was still goalless and on 33 minutes a Wimborne player on the left cut in and his left foot shot beat Frampton but cannoned back off the underside of the bar before being cleared away. This obviously gave Wimborne confidence and they should have scored with 40 minutes gone. After more Poole pressure the home side quickly broke on the counter and after progressing down the right the ball was squared to an unmarked player 6 yards out but his shot was hit weakly and wide of the left hand post.

Still the half wasn't over and on 44 minutes Benssaouda turned his marker inside out twice before whipping in a great cross which Steve Strong met with a glancing header - the ball just going wide of the post into the side netting.

Half time: 0-0

Whilst the second half didn't quite live up to the excitement of the first it was still entertaining. On 50 minutes Luke Whitley (another good game) surged forward from the back and as he skipped past a lunging tackle he let fly with a great left foot shot which went narrowly over the bar. Ten minutes later and Wimborne were reduced to ten men after their centre back picked up his second yellow for another later and dangerous foul on Aaron Skelton. This signalled a defensive mode from this point in as Wimborne got players behind the ball and looked like they were ready to settle for a point. Having said that, with Poole pushing forward they still countered quickly and well.

A Wimborne freekick on 68 minutes was laid off to the right and a fiercely struck shot saw Frampton get down well to his right to push the ball away for a corner. A few minutes later and Benssaouda went on one of his mazy runs and his shot was only parried by Kearns. Funnell was quickest to react and after the controlling the ball he turned and fired over the bar when a goal looked odds-on. It really was going to be one of those nights.

Eventually Poole were unable to score against the ten men (second match running) but credit must be given to them for playing some great football in a fixture that was always going to be difficult. It's fair to say that Poole were the better side on the night but unlike recent meetings with their local rivals they were unable, on this occasion, to secure the win. Great game to watch.

Poole: Frampton, Whitley, Jordan, Hankey, D. Sturgess, Richardson, Funnell, T. Smith, Skelton, Benssaouda (Chivers), Strong (Mills)

Following the various FA Cup matches over the weekend Poole Town have now had their home game against Alton Town re-arranged to this coming Saturday 9th September - kick-off 3.00pm.

As a result the reserves match at home to AFC Totten that day has now been postponed.

Poole Town  0  V  1  Taunton Town  -  FA Cup Preliminary Round

After a gap of eleven years Poole Town finally returned to the FA Cup competition as they took on Taunton Town at Tatnam. Rather strange circumstances surrounded the game as four Taunton players got stuck / lost in traffic and missed the start of game and Poole centre back Mark Hankey was also stuck in traffic and was absent as well. This meant that Taunton had to rearrange their side and start with ten players (one of whom was carrying an ankle injury to begin with) and Poole too had to rearrange as Steve Strong played in midfield and Carl Chivers started up front. New signing from Dorchester Town Frenchman Larbi Mekchiche made his first start for Poole with another new signing from AFC Bournemouth youth, Adam Mills started on the bench.

In the first half there was only one team in it. Poole completely dominated possession and at times put some good football together and looked dangerous, but to their credit Taunton looked very well organised in defence and good chances were few and far between. On 27 minutes Dave Sturgess (playing left back!) delivered a good ball into the box and Steve Strong managed to flick his header over the keeper but the ball bounced back off the top of the crossbar.

On 34 minutes Benssaouda played a superb pass between two defenders and as Chivers and the Taunton keeper both met at the same time, the ball spilled out into the path of Gary Funnell but with the goal beckoning he fired over the bar. At this stage Poole were practically camped in the Taunton half and it looked like the visitors were holding on until the rest of the squad turned up. However, Portuguese striker Sonyo Da Mata playing up front on his own continued to look dangerous every time he got the ball.

Half time: 0-0.

There seemed to be a bit more urgency from Taunton at the start of the second half and on 48 minutes they created their first chance. Frampton was beaten to the ball and as a Taunton player skipped past him he fired wide of the left hand post. On 51 minutes Mark Hankey made it to the ground and he came on into the Poole defence with Taffy Richardson moving up to midfield and Steve Strong moving forward to replace Carl Chivers who was substituted.

On 59 minutes Benssaouda cut in from the left hand side and after beating the defender and with only the keeper to beat he managed to scuff his shot wide of the left hand post. From the goalkick Taunton broke quickly and when the ball came to Da Mata he got to within 25 yards and buried a right foot shot low to the left of Frampton into the corner of the net. It was, in truth one of only a couple of chances that the visitors created but they took it - and that was the difference on the day.

After that it seemed as if Poole knew their chance had gone and Taunton always then looked favourites. Mills replaced Mekchiche but it made little difference. To loud cheers from the Taunton faithful the missing four players finally made it with just five minutes of normal time left. The necessary changes were made and for the first time they fielded eleven players on the pitch.

Gary Funnell provided the last two chances Poole had to salvage a draw. On 86 minutes a fierce shot was deflected just wide of the left hand post with the keeper wrongfooted and a minute later the ball dropped invitingly to the Poole midfielder and his great left foot volley was tipped round the post for a corner. Both he and in particular Aaron Skelton stood out for Poole in midfield - they were excellent.

Whilst Taunton were always favourites to progress from this tie it was quite clear that Poole supporters (and I'm sure Tommy Killick too) was left somewhat frustrated and disappointed with the final result. Given the circumstances surrounding the Taunton line-up there was probably not a better opportunity to beat them than this and although Poole did not play badly, their best on the day was just not good enough to break their opponents down. Definitely a missed opportunity.

Still - it's great to be back taking part in the FA Cup and good luck to the 'mighty' (Steve P!) Taunton Town in the next round.

Poole: Frampton, Whitley, Jordan, Richardson, Skelton, D. Sturgess, Mekchiche (Mills), Funnell, Strong, Chivers (Hankey), Benssaouda