With Liss Athletic enjoying an unbeaten league record at home this season and having secured a league double over Poole last season the omens were not good as the Dolphins made the 120 round trip into Hampshire. Poole fielded a strong side, bolstered by the return of Karim Benssaouda but again it was to prove a fruitless journey and the run of five consecutive away wins came to an end in front of a very small crowd.

Poole started brightly and the first ten minutes gave no indication of what was to follow. On 5 minutes Benssaouda fed the ball to Holland who in turn teed up Darren Elmes. Elmes' fine shot was parried by the keeper and Holland's follow-up hit the outside of the post and went wide. Five minutes later and Poole took the lead. Ross Elliot released a quick throw to Carl Woodward on the left and his first time ball released Benssaouda down the flank. As Benssaouda cut in the keeper came off his line and the in-form striker chipped the keeper from 20 yards - a superb goal. Unfortunately it was downhill from this point on as the Dolphins failed to capitalise on their lead and the quality of their football evaporated.

On 28 minutes Benssaouda took a quick freekick and Holland shot wide when well placed. The equaliser came a minute later and was of no surprise to anybody. Liss had been gradually coming back into the game and as their confidence grew so did the amount of times they breached the Poole defence. Half-time: 1-1.

On 51 minutes Holland raced clear from the halfway line but as he ran into the box his shot was blasted high and wide of the goal. Seven minutes later Holland set up Elmes but his chip was brilliantly tipped over for a corner. It was Liss however who were now controlling the game as they were quicker to everything and were dominating the midfield. A rare Poole attack on 81 minutes nearly saw Poole back in front but the keeper again pulled off a great save from Holland after good work from Benssaouda and Woodward on the left. When a draw looked the likely result Liss broke away on 89 minutes and after sidestepping the keeper the striker was able to tap into an empty net to secure the three points.

Poole: Elliot, Woodward, Spalding, Fletcher, Wright, Mundee, G. Morris (Homer), M. Morris, Elmes, Holland, Benssaouda
Unused Subs: D. Morrell, D. Neville

Today's Tropyman Cup 3rd Round tie at Stockbridge has been postponed due to the Stockbridge pitch. Stockbridge have also refused to switch the tie to Tatnam so the game will be re-arranged.

With most other games in the area called off because of the weather the Tatnam pitch again looked superb as the Dolphins took on Andover New Street in the Hampshire Premier League. With no Karim Benssaouda Darren Elmes partnered Jamie Holland up front and ex-Poole skipper Martin Jones took his place on the bench after leaving Brockenhurst to return to Poole.

The first half was a fairly scrappy affair with Poole not looking as lethal as recent matches - the significant factor being no Benssaouda leading the line. On 10 minutes Matt Morris made good progress down the left and when he crossed into the box Darren Elmes volleyed just wide of the left hand post. On 25 minutes Ross Elliot was faced with a one-on-one situation and as he raced out of his box he caught the advancing striker but escaped without a yellow card. Whilst the defence was still getting into position New Street took a quick free kick and the ball was struck into an unguarded right hand corner of the net.

Now a goal behind Poole stepped up a gear and on 32 minutes Darren Mooney headed wide after an excellent free-kick from Matty Homer. A minute later and Holland's first chance of the match was volleyed just wide of the post. Despite the pressure Poole could not find the killer touch and trailed at the break. Half-time: 0-1.

The second half turned into a massacre as Poole drove forward and camped solidly in the Andover half. The Andover box was besieged by crosses from Woodward on the left and Andre Neville on the right but chances for Holland and Elmes all went begging. Corner after corner saw the pressure increase on Andover but their goal managed to remain intact. The Dolphins managed to get the ball into the net twice with the referee ruling out both efforts with poor decisions. On top of that Andre Neville was clearly held in the box and Elmes was blatantly pushed after another cross. The referee had a bad day - letting stamping, elbows and leg breaking tackles go unpunished but dishing out 2 yellow cards to New Street players for kicking the ball 5 yards away after a free-kick was given against them. Pitiful.

There was a cheer on 65 minutes as Martin Jones made a welcome return in a Poole shirt and a minute later skipper SPalding flashed a header wide of the post after another superb Woodward corner. On 70 minutes Neville produced another fine right wing cross and Holland's header was plucked from under the bar by the keeper. Finally on 77 minutes Poole got their deserved equaliser - Elmes meeting a free-kick to head the ball beyond the keeper into the far corner. Highlight of the afternoon? Elmo's obvious delight as he celebrated his goal in front of the Poole faithful.

The last ten minutes saw Poole through everything at New Street but the visitors continued to lead a charmed life. On 81 minutes the best move of the match saw Fletcher and Holland combine brilliantly but with an open goal begging Elmes blasted his shot high and wide of the net from close range.

There is no doubt that New Street will be the happier with the result but Poole supporters can be delighted with the passion and commitment (and good quality football!) that the Dolphins served up, especially in the second half.

Poole: Elliot, Woodward, Spalding, Fletcher, Mundee, A. Neville, D. Mooney, M. Morris, Homer (Jones), Holland, Elmes
Unused Subs: G. Morris, D. Neville

Poole Town Football Supporters Club have now launched the new '100' Club competition.

100 Club memberships are on a weekly basis and cost £1.00 per week. Draws will be held every Saturday and membership applications must be received at least three days prior to the date of the first draw in which you wish to participate.

You may buy as many numbers as you wish for each draw at £1 per number. Remember - membership limited to 100 numbers.
Every week two numbers will be drawn and prizes awarded as follows:-

1st Prize   -   £40.00
2nd Prize  -  £10.00

If you would like to be a member then please e-mail me here and I will forward a membership application form.
Remember - this will serve as a valuable source of income for Poole Town Football Club.

Fixture News

This Saturday's fixture at home to Pirelli General has been postponed. Instead Poole Town will now be at home to Andover New Street in the Hampshire League - kick-off 3.00pm

Computer Game News!

Fan of football computer games? Read On!

If anyone plays Fifa 2002 from EA Sports and wants the complete Poole Town squad, kits and players then let me know and I will gladly send you my relevant file. The team contains all of the current Poole squad including a flying Jamie Holland down the wing and Karim Benssaouda up front! Also currently working on a version for Fifa 2003 as well.................

February 2003 also sees the release of the much anticipated latest version of the Championship Manager series, Championship Manager 4. Supporters may be interested to know that I have been working with the publishers of the game, SiGames and have given them all of the necessary Poole Town club and player information. They have confirmed that the Dolphins will be included in the game. Prior apologies to some players as I've had to guess some of the ages................. More details as I get it.

Calling Canada!

Would supporter Chris Saunders from Canada please drop me a mail as I have some information for him. Sorry Chris - have mis-laid your email address!

With an under strength side Poole Town travelled to Portsmouth to take on the Royal Navy in the Hampshire League. After experiencing heavy congestion in Portsmouth due to Price Charles visit, Darren Elmes arrived after the kick-off and had to take his place on the sub's bench rather than on the pitch. Matt Crowe made his debut for the club and Matty Homer made a welcome appearance once again in a Poole shirt.

Against a strong Navy side Poole fell behind on just five minutes when the home striker ran on to a through ball and lobbed Ross Elliot in goal. As is becoming the norm Poole struck back immediately and once again it was Benssaouda causing all the damage. On 9 minutes Holland fed the ball to the young Frenchman and his left foot guided the ball sweetly past the keeper. On 26 minutes Matty Homer and Holland combined well and when the home keeper spilled the ball, Benssaouda was in again to chip the ball into the net. Now in control it came as a shock when Portsmouth equalised on 41 minutes but in first half injury time Holland unleashed a superb volley from the edge of the area to maintain his goal-a-game record since returning from suspension. Half-time: 2-3.

The Dolphins really turned on the style in the second half as they produced some breathtaking football. With Elmes on for Garry Morris the passing got better and better and it was a glorious move which brought the final goal of the game. Superb play on 75 minutes between Elmes, Homer and Holland eventually saw the ball crossed for Benssaouda to thump home a great header and collect his third hat-trick in exactly one month.

A very good display from Poole and they have now picked up 6 wins and a draw from their last 7 matches. There is no doubt that Paul & Dean have really turned things around at the club and there is the old familiar buzz around the team again.

Poole: Elliot, Woodward, Spalding, Fletcher, Mundee, Crowe, G. Morris (Elmes), M. Morris, Homer (Lamarie), Holland (Hurst), Benssaouda

With yet another home league fixture Poole Town maintained their recent good form with a comfortable victory against local rivals Lymington Town. Gary Fletcher returned to the side with Richie Atherton making way.

On 8 minutes Jamie Holland produced the first chance of the game when his fine turn and snapshot was saved low down to the keeper's right. Ten minutes later Poole earnt a corner on the right and despite Carl Woodward's kick bending into the far corner of the net the referee blew for a foul in the box and Poole were awarded a penalty. Karim Benssaouda made no mistake from the spot to put the Dolphins a goal up.

Despite controlling the game Lymington pulled level on 35 minutes. Ross Elliot needlessly dived at the feet of an advancing striker and the referee correctly awarded a second penalty of the afternoon. 1-1. Poole hit back straight from the kick-off and within a minute they were deservedly back in front. Matt Morris brilliantly stole the ball off of a Lymington player in midfield and fed the ball to Holland. After exchanging passes with Benssaouda on the edge of the box Holland drilled his right foot shot beyond the keeper into the left hand corner of the net. Half-time: 2-1.

Poole worked hard in the second half but Lymington dug in well and chances were few and far between. Finally on 82 minutes Poole wrapped up the points when a Woodward corner was met by Benssaouda who rose majestically to head the ball firmly past the keeper, in off the post.

Poole: Elliot, Woodward, A. Neville (G. Morris), Wright, Spalding, Fletcher, D. Mooney, M. Morris, Mundee, Holland (Hurst), Benssaouda

Poole Town maintained their 100 per cent record against Hythe & Dibden after producing a scintillating first half performance in the worst conditions possible. Despite the torrential rain the Tatnam pitch was in good condition at the start of the match and although the wind certainly did not help, supporters were treated to a fine 45 minutes.

Playing into the wind Poole started brightly and Jamie Holland immediately started causing problems for the visiting defence. Despite total control it took until 25 minutes before the deadlock was broken. Good interplay on the edge of the box between Holland and Benssaouda finally saw Holland create the space to rifle the ball into the far corner of the net. This opened the floodgates for the Dolphins as Hythe abandoned all defensive tactics in favour of rushing up the field trying to play the offside. On 35 minutes the ball dropped in front of Matt Morris and from 20 yards the midfielder struck a superb volley into the top left corner to score his first goal for the club. 2-0.

Shortly after this Holland turned in the box and cracked a great shot which came back off the underside of the bar and bounced on the line before being cleared to safety. Just before half time the in-form striker completed a brilliant hat-trick. On 43 minutes he fired another shot into the corner from an acute angle and two minutes later he raced clear of the defence and coolly slotted the ball past the advancing keeper to kill the game off. Half time: 4-0.

Although seemingly impossible the weather got worse in the second half and unfortunately the pitch suffered badly, turning into a lake in several places. This made a farce of the second half and it must have been marginal as to whether the 90 minutes would be completed. If anything Poole controlled the game even stronger in the second half and despite numerous chances to increase the lead the ball managed to avoid hitting the back of the net. The Hythe keeper pulled off several top class saves from Benssaouda, Mundee, Gary Morris and Matt Morris. Surprisingly there were few rash challenges in the game but midway through the second half the Hythe No. 7 went in studs up and stamped on the back of Mooney's leg. The foul came out of nowhere and the referee had no choice but to show a straight red card.

The last twenty minutes saw the ball sticking in the water at every opportunity and the players from both sides just played out the match as best as they could.

There is no doubt that Poole deserved the win based on the first half performance but credit must go to both sides for producing such commitment and no little skill in the dreadful weather conditions. Whilst Holland produced a great hat-trick (he was substituted at half time) Brian Mundee was possibly the man of the match. Mundee covered every blade of grass on the pitch and produced a superb display in the middle of the park - full of running all evening.

Poole: Elliot, Woodward, A. Neville (G. Morris), Wright, Spalding, Atherton, D. Mooney, M. Morris, Mundee (D. Neville), Holland (Hurst), Benssaouda

When you play Vosper Thornycroft you know exactly what you will be getting - a team of 6 foot plus guys, strong, physical and intent on kicking lumps out of the opposition they face. Coupled with their constant moaning throughout the ninety minutes to the referee, linesmen and anyone else who would listen it is a wonder they actually find time to play football. This is a shame because when they do decide to play they are a good side, capable of decent passing and movement and able to cause any defence problems. If only they would concentrate on that.

With keeper Ross Elliot away for the weekend Christchurch kindly allowed Poole to use their keeper Max Frampton (the Christchurch game having been postponed). After their lengthy bans this match also saw welcome returns for Jamie Holland and Darren Mooney and it was a strong side that the Dolphins fielded for the match.

Intentions were clear from the very first minute when Benssaouda was left needing attention after two vicious fouls. The intimidation continued throughout the match as Vospers picked up yellow card after yellow card. Poole fell behind on eight minutes when a cross from the right was not cleared and there was an easy goal at the far post. Poole began to come back into the game throughout the first half without really creating a clear cut chance but by half-time the Dolphins were dictating the game and expectations were high for the second period. Half-time: 0-1.

Carrying on in the same vein Poole scored on 51 minutes. The excellent (again) Carl Woodward clipped a fine ball down the left and Jamie Holland closed in on the Vosper's goal. As the keeper came out Holland neatly took the ball around him and clinically scored with his left foot from an acute angle. Poole were now very much in charge and a second goal always looked on the cards. On 76 minutes another great cross from the wing was met by Gary Fletcher who rose to thump the ball past the keeper. Now behind it was Vospers who were stung into action and they raised their game in the last fifteen minutes to claim the draw. On 80 minutes another cross from the left was headed superbly into the corner and the last ten minutes saw both sides create chances to win the game.

The match finished on a sour note when Gary Fletcher was scythed down by a two footed challenge on the touchline. Fletcher immediately squared up to the offender and a scuffle between several players ensued. The result? Fletcher sent off and the not even a yellow card to the Vospers player - another quality decision from a referee who should not have been officiating at this level in the first place.

Vospers tactics apart, this was a decent game of football between two sides who are likely to both finish in the top six again.

Poole: Frampton, Woodward, A. Neville, Wright, Spalding, D. Mooney, M. Morris, Fletcher,   Elmes, Holland (Parodi), Benssaouda
Unused Subs: G. Morris, Mundee

The new Poole Town Football Supporters Club newsletter has now been produced and will be distributed to members at tomorrow's game at home to Vospers. Any not distributed will be posted immediately.

Friendly News

Tuesday night's friendly against Southern League leaders Dorchester underlined the difference between the two sides currently as a full strength Dorchester side ran out comfortable 8-0 winners. Let's hope the Dorset Senior Cup 3rd round tie proves to be a bit closer!

Saturday's league game at Locks Heath has been postponed. However, Poole Town will now face Vosper Thornycroft at Tatnam in the Hampshire Premier League instead - kick-off 3.00pm

Dorset Senior Cup News - Dolphins get Dorchester Town in plumb tie!

The third round draw has now been made and Poole Town will play Southern League Dorchester Town at Tatnam on Wednesday 4th December - kick-off 7.30pm. This does not affect the proposed friendly against Dorchester Town tomorrow night - this will go ahead as planned.

With the Dorset Senior Cup game cancelled from Wednesday night (see below) and no game this Saturday, a friendly has been added for next week.

Poole Town will take on Dorchester Town at Tatnam on Tuesday 5th November - kick-off 7.30pm.

Dorset Senior Cup News

Despite both clubs wanting to play the Dorset Senior Cup 2nd Round tie on Saturday 2nd November the Dorset FA insisted that the tie take place under floodlights at Tatnam on Wednesday 30th October. Consequently Sturminster Newton were unable to raise a side and the tie has been awarded to Poole Town. The Dolphins are therefore in the third round - details of the draw when it happens.