With time running out to fit in the outstanding games at the direction of the Southern League the game was switched to the 3G surface at Dorchester, which technically would suit the passing style that the Martyrs adopt. However, Toby Holmes had other ideas as he gave the ‘home’ side the lead after just 7 minutes. From a corner that was only partially cleared he cracked a great effort into the top corner from wide of the far post.

At that precise moment many might have thought that although Poole had lost thirteen times in the last fifteen games, that today would be the very day to break that sequence, but that’s not really how the Martyrs function.

Ricardo Rees, Twamley and Mehew looked to put early pressure on a side whose confidence was low. The visiting fans thought that Twamley had equalised after 31 minutes but the goal was ruled out for offside. Jaimie Cogman was forced to make a number of fine saves in the first forty five minutes which was something for the coaching staff to mull over at the break, but the response as they returned was one of true merit and prominence.

Commencing the second half in a positive manner the Martyrs were on top in the early stages. They did eventually hit back with a leveller that ultimately sprung from thin air, as leading scorer Ricardo Rees glided towards the six yard area, the angle was against him but the finish was elite as he sent two defenders the wrong way with a swivel of his hips and easily found the bottom corner. This meant that there was now a game to play. Within two minutes as the game opened up the Martyrs had edged in front as Twamley this time found the top corner. At the other end the Dolphins were guilty of some wasteful finishing.  

In added time two substitutes combined to secure the victory for the Martyrs. Joe Keeping found Tom Stokes wide on the left, who cut inside and picking his spot he fired a low shot across the face of the goal that was perfectly placed inside the far post to finally confirm that all three points would be heading back across the border to South Wales.

Only one defeat in six league games and the gap between the chasing pack has been maintained. There’s still plenty of work to do on the run-in, with many more points still up for grabs.