‘The Dolphins’, who currently compete in The Southern League Premier Division South, welcomed us to Dorset for our pre-season opener. Currently competing in Step 3, they finished 13th last campaign following a turbulent season which saw long standing manager Tom Killick relieved from his duties. Poole then went through two more managers before appointing Steve Tully, who kept The Dolphins in the division.

Poole had a busy close season which included the contract extension of top scorer Toby Holmes. The striker finished 2023/24 with 22 goals in 44 appearances for The Dolphins.

We last faced Poole in November of 2018 in an FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round, running our 3-2 winners in front of a crowd of 285 at The Black Gold Stadium. Goals from JJ O’Sullivan, Giuseppe Sole and Sami El-Abd secured our place in the First Round Proper of the Trophy.

The Wanderers lineup on that day: Huk, O’Sullivan, Beard, El-Abd (C), Dyett, Beckles, L.Taylor, Lavery, Sole, Tollfrey, McShane

One of our new signings, Brennan Camp, is familiar with The Dolphins, having spent a brief loan spell with the club whilst he was contracted at AFC Bournemouth.

Wes Fogden, who made 33 appearances for The Wanderers between 2020-2022, including 17 in our promotion season, played for the Pools last season and was in the crowd. The midfielder made 46 appearances in Dolphins colours, scoring 11 goals.

The Oppositions View

“I’m optimistic and excited to see what will come this season. I’m aware it may be a very tricky league as so many sides have recruited well already but I think we will be up there with the squad and gaffer we have.”

“I think Hewlett could be a great player, he was wanted by a league one club so shows his quality. Josh Staunton is also an exceptional centre back who has played at the highest levels of non league.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Hoey play as I have heard a lot of good things about him from down the road and it will be good to see some creativity in our squad.”

(Words from Dan Wilson)

Match Report

We started the match with a familiar lineup, featuring new additions Harrison Foulkes, Brennan Camp, and Jordan Norville-Williams making their club debuts.

The first half showed the early stages of the pre-season for both teams, with several misplaced passes and tackles.

In the 36th minute, the deadlock was finally broken. A well-executed move down the right allowed Camp to deliver a perfectly weighted cross to Prior in the box. Prior finished with a trademark header, sending the ball confidently into the net.

The match was an end-to-end affair with both sides creating plenty of promising attacks. Our second goal came from a fine cross by McManus. Carter’s shot deflected off Muitt’s chest, popping up perfectly for him to execute a well-struck overhead volley into the net.

Marc White was pleased to conclude the match with plenty of minutes for the young Academy players (Joel Brown, Ollie Rawlins, Mason Miles, Sal Marino, and Hayden Gale) and with the squad coming through unscathed.