Shaftesbury 3-6 Poole Town – Match Report
The Dolphins ensured they started their pre-season campaign on the right foot with a 6-3 win over Shaftesbury on Saturday afternoon following a 6-0 win over Bournemouth Poppies.
Managers Joe Lea and Pat Suraci started a number of the new arrivals for the fixture, whilst the likes of Jamie Whisken and Billy Lowes missed out through injury.
Poole started the brighter of the two sides as Charlie Davis went close on the 7th minute as his set-piece effort crashed off the bar.
Despite the Dolphins early dominance, it was Shaftesbury who took the lead through Harry Baker who’s long range effort lobbed Adam Parkes in net.
The away side responded simultaneously with brilliant footwork and finish from Shaq Gwengwe to draw the sides level.
It was certainly a tough test for both sides with temperatures reaching as high as 32 degrees on the day.
Poole’s dominance eventually paid off in the 35th minute after fantastic build up was nicely finished off by new arrival Henry Spalding.
The Dolphins found their third on the 42nd minute as Ryan Campbell’s cross from the left-hand side found Charlie Davis in space, and he volleyed it home to make it 3-1.
Moments before the break, Gwengwe scored his second of the encounter as he nodded it home at the back post to give Poole a 4-1 lead going into the break.
The second half got underway, and the goals did not stop coming as Shaftesbury made it 4-2, before Tyrrell Sampson ensured Poole took back their three-goal advantage after rounding the goalkeeper and tapping it into an empty net.
Shaftesbury fought back once again on the 58th minute mark after some neat footwork to make it 5-3.
Poole put the game to bed on the 67th minute after excellent work from a number of trialists ensured it was never in doubt and made it 6-3.
The visitors went in search of more through the likes of Kris Campbell but were unable to capitalise in the scorching heat.
The referee’s whistle brought proceedings to an end on a sunny afternoon full of goals in Shaftesbury.
Lea and Suraci’s side have now won back-to-back pre-season games as they look to prepare for the upcoming Southern League campaign.
Suraci said: “Conditions were hard for both teams but what we asked from the lads, we were really impressed.”
He added: “We moved the ball quickly and had some good forward runs, our decision making was excellent, there are obviously things to improve but it was pleasing and a really nice afternoon.”
Lea said: “It’s a busy week upcoming now, with the game on Wednesday against Cobham and then AFC Bournemouth XI at home on Saturday afternoon which will be a good test against a well organised side.”