In many people's eyes the Wessex League will be won by one of these two sides with the other coming is as runners up. Poole's pedigree is proven over the last few seasons and the goals of last season attained. Wimborne have always been one of the strongest Wessex sides but have flattered to deceive in recent years. However, make no mistake, Alex Browne has done a terrific job at the Cuthbury since he arrived, moulding a bunch of individuals under Warren into a quite formidable team.

The defence is solid with the Walker brothers controlling everything and the excellent Hutchings behind. The midifield is full of talent - Green, Stokoe, Whitcher as good as any and Joyce and Clarke up front will cause any defence problems. A potent threat? Definitely. A threat to Poole's Wessex League crown? You better believe it.

Poole manager rang some changes for this game with in form Steve Smith dropped to the bench and Trefor Smith playing just behind lone striker Russell Cook. Ross Lloyd also replaced Luke Whitley in the centre of defence with Lamin Dibba.

With painful memories of the 5-1 home reverse against Wimborne last April it was important that Poole did not allow Wimborne to get their tails up early. This failed miserably as Dibba fouled Scott Joyce within the first 60 seconds and the referee awarded a penalty. Dibba picked up a yellow card for his troubles as well. Clarke made no mistake from the spot and the Magpies had the lead.

Wimborne looked the better side throughout this match and although Poole enjoyed large periods of possession, in truth, they did little with it and far too much of Poole's play was aimed down the centre where Walker Bros Inc mopped up with increasing glee. They really were superb. Whether they are 'up for it' in every game is unclear but against Poole both today and last April they have been inspired.

On 20 minutes Trefor Smith drilled a ball across the face of the goal and a defender managed to turn the ball away for a corner at the far post with a Poole player lurking. On 33 minutes Wimborne nearly added a second when a freekick into the box was dropped by Ackerman and a follow up shot was poked just wide of the post. The danger signs were certainly there for Poole as Wimborne looked sharper and a yard quicker all around the pitch. On 35 minutes a ball into the Poole area saw Kevin Gill asleep and Joyce got away from him to round Ackerman and double the visitors lead.

Some of the Wimborne tackling was a little too physical and by half time Dibba's yellow for Poole had been joined by four yellow cards for the visitors, Joyce amongst them.

Half time: 0-2.

The terrific crowd of 578 would surely witness changes from Poole and the beginning of a comeback. It was never to materialise. Steve Smith came on for Carl Poore on 54 minutes but neither he nor Cook could find any joy against an excellent defence. On 57 minutes a Wimborne corner was met by the head of Nathan Walker and with Ackerman already conceding he was beaten the ball came back off the inside of the post, rolled across the goal before Clarke could only find the side netting with a follow up shot. It could, and should, have been three.

Clarke got clean away shortly after and Ackerman produced the first of several fine saves in the second half which prevented the scoreline from repeating the rout of April. On 67 minutes Wilson received a second yellow card and Wimborne were reduced to ten men but it did little to revive Poole's fortunes. Indeed. Clarke had another good chance when he shrugged off the challenge of Poole substitute Andre Carlos and fired in a great shot which Ackerman did well to tip over the bar.

With fifteen minutes remaining Lamin Dibba got his second yellow card and he too was sent from the field. There really could be no complaints about that. A glimmer of hope for Poole on 87 minutes when the excellent Carl Preston was brought down in the Wimborne area and Poole received a penalty. Hutchings did well however and Steve Smith's spot kick was saved low to the keeper's left. It summed up the night for Poole.

To add insult to injury Wimborne still pushed for goals and after Ackerman saved brilliantly from Joyce who had got clear, it was in injury time that Clarke showed some class in the box to tuck home his second and Wimborne's third.

Obviously Poole supporters were left hurt by this defeat to our local rivals. But just a third league defeat in over 18 months is not a disaster. Poole still lead the table and are still the team to catch. Used to victory we might be but there is no divine right to win every single game - that is not possible for any team in any league. If consistency is the key to winning the league then Poole are still favourites to land the title. They will want it wrapped up before the end of April however as no-one will want to go to The Cuthbury looking for a result!