Berkhamsted 1-2 Poole Town – Match Report
Poole Town move up to 3rd in the Southern League Premier South after a 2-1 win on the road against Berkhamsted on Saturday afternoon.
The Dolphins were looking to return to winning ways following the dramatic 5-5 draw at Tatnam against Tiverton Town last Tuesday.
Kris Campbell and Antonio Diaz both returned to the starting lineup, with Ik Hill dropping to a three-man bench.
The match got underway with the Dolphins on top in the early stages and looking to strike first in this one.
Ayo went close on the 12th minute for Poole, but his goal-wards effort could only find the side netting as the scores remained level.
However, it wasn’t long until the deadlock was broken and it was Ayo who found the back of the net after the perfect through ball from Selim Saied, Poole’s number 11 calmly slotted it past Charlie Horlock to make it 1-0.
After the goal, the hosts grew into the game and started to create a number of chances of their own, but the Poole backline remained resilient and held strong.
On the 34th minute, a Berkhamsted direct free kick was fired goal-wards, but the hands of Adam Parkes denied the home side a way back into the game.
The half time whistle was blown with Poole in the commanding position at the break.
The second half got underway and it was the dream start for Joe Lea and Pat Suraci’s side as Antonio Diaz doubled the visitors lead on the 48th minute after fantastic work from Kris Campbell to set him up.
As the second half continued, both stayed compact in their shape and weren’t looking to give their opponent any openings.
Berkhamsted went close on the 77th as Ryan Blake’s header drifted just past the post.
Down the other end, Poole thought they had their third as Harvey Slade’s effort glanced off the top of the crossbar and went behind for a goal kick.
Berkhamsted did eventually find the back of the net on the 84th minute through Michael Harding adding a tense feel to the last five minutes of the contest.
The Dolphins, backed by an incredible set of travelling fans, managed to hold on and take a huge three points back to Tatnam.
Next up for Lea and Suraci’s side is a big game at Tatnam with Poole hosting league leaders Walton & Hersham on Tuesday evening.