Match Preview - Poole Town

Match Preview 

Poole Town v Tiverton Town 

Another Saturday, another opportunity to change the course of our season. The reverse fixture was a 3-1 home success for the Caretaker management duo of Asa Hall and Niall Thompson and there is a huge incentive for the Yellows to do the double over their Dorset opponent's. 

Poole's campaign has faltered since the last meeting and if we were to secure victory at the weekend, we would draw level with them on points. However, an inferior goal difference means we won't overtake them. This though psychologically would be a significantly positive step. 

At the time of writing it appears that  there are no further additions to the squad which means that the same group of players are tasked with putting behind them a bad day at the office against a resurgent Hungerford and going all out for the victory that they desperately need. Captain Matt Britton returns from suspension. 

There has been a change in management from the earlier encounter in the campaign for the Dolphin’s. After a parting of ways with Steve Tully, in have come Joe Lea and Pat Suraci, who vacated their positions as joint managers at Gosport to take charge at the Black Gold Stadium. 

One win in Five outings and Four defeats for Poole’s new bosses  has resulted in the Dolphins’ continuing to look over their shoulders. Last weekend a narrow 1-0 loss at their former employers has built further pressure on Saturday’s opposition.  

When the Two team’s do battle, both  are the joint lowest scorers in the league. 26 goals from  28 games for our hosts and the same amount of goals for Tiverton, having played one game more. 

Rafa Ramos has yet to transfer his undoubted ability into goals. Signed by Salisbury for the 2024/25 season from Gosport, he’s now back with his previous manager’s and will still present a goal scoring threat, despite not being as potent as he was during the last campaign. 

Midfielder Charlie Davis has been a creative influence at this level for some time and is known for his dead ball expertise and an eye for a goal. His football journey began in the Pro Ranks at Bournemouth. This is Davis’s third spell with Poole. He has also played for Dorchester, Weymouth, Salisbury, Totton and Sholing.  

Keeper Ben Taylor has impressed since returning from a loan spell at Bemerton Heath Harlequins. An academy keeper for both MK Dons and Cambridge United; Taylor has also played for Gloucester City, Oxford City and Banbury. Signing for  the Dolphins from Evesham 

Centre Back Josh Staunton has an excellent non league pedigree, having made 200 National League appearances. The 29 year old played with distinction at Dagenham & Redbridge and also Yeovil where he was Captain. As a teenager he was part of Charlton Athletic’s academies. 

Fellow central defender Jamie Whisken has been a cornerstone of Poole’s defence for the past Eleven seasons. 37 year old Whisken is a club legend who has played for the Dolphins’ when they were playing a level higher, as well as in the Southern Premier League South. Also playing for Totton prior to joining the Dorset side. 

Combative midfielder Billy Lowes, returned to The Black Gold stadium in September 2023. Moving from Division One South side Bashley. Though this was Nine Years after his first stint and the Former Weymouth and Dorchester schemer, brings a wealth of experience with him, to the dressing room and the pitch. 

A hard game to call this and every game at this level requires a focus and competitiveness, to be successful. Can Rob Dray’s side get back to winning ways and put themselves in the mix for survival ? We will find out then.