Poole Town 3-1 Berkhamsted – Match Report

Poole Town 3–1 Berkhamsted
Southern Premier League South | Tatnam Stadium

Poole Town struck twice deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic and fully deserved 3–1 victory over Berkhamsted as 658 people filled Tatnam Stadium, maintaining their place in the thick of the Southern Premier League South promotion race.

The Dolphins were on the front foot from the opening exchanges and dominated much of the first half, creating several clear chances without finding the breakthrough. Ayo caused problems down the flank before cutting the ball back for Antonio Diaz, whose fierce effort from close range crashed against the crossbar midway through the half.

Dan Carr’s set-piece delivery was a constant threat, with one outstanding free kick in the 34th minute headed clear under pressure as Poole continued to turn the screw. Berkhamsted offered occasional resistance, forcing Ben Parkes into a comfortable save from distance and narrowly missing the target with a headed effort from a free kick, but the hosts went into the break frustrated to be level after a commanding display.

The second half began with Poole pressing once again, Shaq Gwengwe heading straight at the keeper after Diaz whipped in another dangerous cross. However, Berkhamsted grew into the second half and their pressure paid off when they were awarded a penalty just after the hour mark, JJ Lacey converting confidently to put the visitors ahead.

Poole responded positively, making attacking changes and upping the tempo. Their equaliser arrived in the 72nd minute when Gwengwe beat two defenders and saw his shot blocked, only for Ayo to react quickest and head home from close range.

Momentum swung firmly in Poole’s favour as they pushed for a winner. Gwengwe came within inches of completing the turnaround moments later, smashing a powerful effort against the crossbar before appeals for handball from the rebound were turned away.

With nine minutes of stoppage time added, the drama was far from over. Poole’s relentless pressure was finally rewarded in the 89th minute when the referee pointed to the spot. Gwengwe stepped up and calmly fired his penalty straight down the middle to give the Dolphins a deserved lead.

There was still time for one final moment of quality. In the sixth minute of added time, a scramble in the Berkhamsted box ended with Gwengwe poking home his second goal of the afternoon to seal the victory and spark celebrations around Tatnam.

The win keeps Poole firmly in the promotion hunt, sitting third in the table on level points and goal difference with Gloucester City, trailing only on goals scored. Attention now turns to next Saturday’s crucial meeting with Gloucester, a fixture that could have major implications in the race for the play-offs.