Poole Town 3-1 Hungerford Town – Match Report

Poole Town continued their push at the top end of the Southern League Premier South with a convincing 3–1 victory over Hungerford Town at Tatnam Stadium, a result that keeps the Dolphins third in the table on 55 points, just two behind second-placed Gloucester City.

In front of the loyal home crowd, Poole started brightly and set the tempo early. Back-to-back corners inside the opening five minutes signalled the intent of the hosts, with Hungerford forced onto the back foot as Poole dominated possession and territory.

The first clear opportunity fell Poole’s way in the 11th minute when a deflected effort from Lowes forced a fine save from the visiting goalkeeper, who was then alert again to deny Shaq Gwengwe on the rebound. Hungerford offered brief moments of resistance, but Poole remained firmly in control.

The breakthrough arrived on 28 minutes and was fully deserved. A moment of quality from Dan Carr unlocked the Hungerford defence. His perfectly weighted assist setting up Gwengwe, who calmly slotted into the bottom left corner from close range to give Poole the lead.

Poole continued to press before the interval, with Carr going close again after being slipped through by Ik Hill, only for his delicate chip to drift narrowly wide. The Dolphins went into the break 1–0 ahead, having controlled both possession and chances.

Hungerford had a spell of pressure after the restart, but Poole weathered the storm and struck again in the 54th minute. Antonio Diaz delivered an inviting ball from the left and Gwengwe rose highest to head home, sealing his second of the afternoon and his 30th league goal of the season.

Just ten minutes later, Poole effectively put the game beyond reach with a moment of sheer brilliance. Harvey Slade picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a thunderous strike into the top right corner, a goal of the season contender and one that lifted the Tatnam crowd to its feet.

Hungerford pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute through Bowdery, setting up a nervy final 15 minutes, but Poole responded with composure and discipline. Parkes was called into action late on, producing a crucial save as the visitors threw bodies forward in search of another goal.

Substitutions late on allowed Poole to see the game out, with Hill and Carr receiving deserved applause as they left the field. Five minutes of added time came and went without further incident, sealing another important home win for the Dolphins.

Poole now turn their attention to their next league fixture, travelling to Yate Town on Tuesday night, as their promotion push continues to gather momentum.