Poole Town 1-1 (3-4) Gosport Borough (FA Trophy)

The first half was a drab affair with few chances. Poole made a string of defensive mistakes but Gosport failed to capitalise – the best after only 4 minutes when Staunton gifted the ball to Gosport but Plain pulled off a fantastic save on the edge of the box. Poole’s best chance of the half fell to Holmes on 29 minutes after Staunton’s blocked shot fell to him but he blazed well wide. Just after this Gosport’s corner saw the ball headed in but Hangar just cleared off the line.

Poole looked sharper in the second half with McCarthy and Hewlett firing wide. After 4 substitutions around the hour mark Poole looked stronger and took control. They took the lead with McCarthy finding Hewlett whose shot trickled towards the back post with Ramos reacting quickest to slot home. Soon after Hewlett’s powerful shot was comfortably saved by Gosney. Poole then gifted Gosport an equaliser with a defensive mix up. 3 Gosport players surged forward with Fanlyan chipping Plain but hit the bar. Wooden was well placed to tap in the rebound. 2 minutes later a great cross looked certain to give Gosport the lead but Wooden pushed his shot wide. This led to penalties and although Gosport missed their first a miss by Poole led to a fifth take tie breaker. Forbes blasted well over to give Gosport a place in the next round.

A disappointing performance by Poole. The defence was all over the place in the first half and Poole were very lucky not to concede. An improved second half but frustrating to gift Gosport an equaliser after a period of dominance. Then to lose the penalty shoot out after going 1 up. So all cup competitions already over – time to concentrate on the league – big step up needed if we want to start pushing for the play-offs.