A disappointing evening for Poole Town losing 4-1 to Truro City and suffering their second consecutive home defeat.
Following their disappointing result on Saturday losing 4-1 at home to Hayes and Yeading United, the Dolphins were hoping to regain their momentum in last night’s game. However, it was an evening to forget as Tom Killick’s side were left shellshocked after being defeated 4-1 by Truro City.
Playing a side further down in the table, Poole would have been expecting this to be an evening where they could have recovered the form they were showing prior to the Hayes and Yeading contest. However, the opposite happened.
The way the game would be played was clear from kick-off. Poole Town would be the ball playing team; knocking the ball from left to right looking for an opening. On the contrary, Truro would put in place a rigid defence in which they would break on the counter using their pace to penetrate in behind the Poole defence.
Jack Dickson was the first of the Poole players to have an attempt on goal, hitting the crossbar from outside the box. The keeper was unable to attempt a save, leaving speculation as to what kind of game it would have turned out to be had the shot been a couple inches lower.
Soon after, Truro were able to take their first opportunity in the game and open the scoring. From a set-piece, Poole were poor in defending within the penalty box, in which they allowed the ball to drop at the feet of Tyler Harvey who was able to finish.
Poole were unable to provide a reaction, and the slow tempo to their game continued.
Another set-piece was awarded to Truro following a break on the counter. The free kick was lifted into the penalty box, and keeper Mark Childs was left in no mans land after coming out to collect the ball. A poor decision from the keeper left an empty goal for defender Cheick Diabate to head his team into a two-goal lead.
The goal certainly deflated the team, as the electronic board went up a minute later to indicate additional time to the first half. It is fair to say set pieces have been a point of difficulty for Poole and is what ultimately gave them a momentous task going into half-time.
A strong and direct reaction was needed from Poole as the second half kicked off. It was clear to see that the team had been instructed to be more direct in their attacking play. Players were now beginning to drive with the ball and put pressure on a well drilled Truro defence through a crossing game.
Killick and his management could be heard bellowing instructions to get the ball into the box. In an attempt to push players forward and open up the wide areas, Killick moved to a three at the back early in the second half and brought on a second striker creating a 3-5-2.
These tactics played into the hands of Truro who were able to sustain the pressure from the crossing tactics. From this, they hit Poole on the counter where they would enjoy space along the backline as a result of the change in formation.
Enjoying the gaps in the defence and an isolated midfield, Truro were able to put two more away courtesy of Ryan Brett and Ryan Dickson. Both goals subsequently coming from Poole pushing high up the pitch, meaning Truro’s attackers were able to find space to penetrate the defence and finish their chances.
A consolation goal would come for the home side as Josh Carmichael met a free kick with a header into the bottom corner.
For the away side, it was a match that could not have been executed better. Well structured in the defence and midfield, they left no opportunity for Poole to play the ball into the midfield and allow them to be creative.
It was a lacklustre performance from Poole, who were ultimately forced into a crossing game to provide them with the best chances. Despite having the majority of possession, Poole were slow on the ball and appeared to have lost confidence in giving the ball to feet and open up patterns of play. This can be partially explained by the well organised defence of Truro City.
Killick will now be determined to see his team bounce back from these two home defeats. Having had a good run of form before the results, Poole know they have the ability to react and get some points back on the board.
The Dolphins will now be looking ahead to their FA Vase 3rd round qualifying game away to Frome Town, and then the next league match on the following weekend away to Walton Casuals.
Attendance: 304