A stuttering performance from Poole but three points in the bag as all other games are called off. Carl Poore made a welcome return to the Poole defence and Steve Smith partnered Stuart Brown now that Charlie Austin's three match ban had been reinforced. Andy Culliford has also returned to the Poole Town fold (the third time) and the announcement of his name was met by a single loud cheer (Gareth!??). Make no mistake though, Culliford is a quality player and a firm favourite at Poole. It was great to see him back in the red and white (and familiar Bashley yellow and black beanie!)

The pitch was in excellent condition given the prevailing weather and Poole looked bright in the early five minutes or so. However, Hamble themselves showed plenty of composure on the ball and for the next ten minutes they looked the better side as they closed Poole down well and made plenty of space of their own in which to play.

As the first half progressed so the frustration amongst the players, bench and crowd began to show as time and again Poole's passing went astray and they enjoyed little control of the game. On 33 minutes manager Killick had obviously seen enough and he switched from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 with Aaron Skelton coming on and a somewhat bemused skipper Simon Browne being removed from the game.

On 41 minutes Hamble broke away and had a clear three against two but they wasted the chance when perhaps they should have scored. A minute later and Poole should have scored. Stu Brown crossed in from the right and after controlling the ball well Steve Smith failed to get a shot off with only the keeper to beat. Just before the break Kevin Gill had a volley pushed away and that was it. A disappointing half from Poole.

Half time: 0-0.

Six minutes into the second half the game was halted for over five minutes when the referee had to leave the field. One of the linesman took over in the middle and appeals were made for any qualified linesman to step forward and fill the vacated position on the touchline!

On 53 minutes Dibba headed wide from a Poole corner and a few minutes later the Hamble number 7 raced clear only to see Harvell stand tall and produce a fine point blank save to keep the home side level. Andy Culliford came on for Steve Smith on the hour mark and he immediately looked sharp up front.

The deadlock was finally broken on 69 minutes to the relief of all the Poole players and supporters. Skelton produced a fine ball out to Brown wide on the left and as he raced in on goal and the keeper came out to narrow the angle he unselfishly squared the ball to Culliford who passed it into an empty net.

At last in front Poole were able to relax a bit and the football did improve. The goal also seemed to knock the stuffing out of Hamble who deserve full credit for their efforts in this game. On 82 minutes a cross into the box was headed down by Dibba and Stu Brown hooked the ball home and two minutes later the South African scored again when he fired in superbly from the edge of the box.

Fisk replaced Stu Brown shortly afterwards and the youngster had a great chance to score when he raced down the left and dinked the ball over the keeper but the ball went just wide of the right hand post.

Three more points and a ten point lead at the top of the table, albeit VT have a game in hand. A slight flattering scoreline for Poole but another ground out result.