Poole Town put six past Kings Langley to return to winning ways as prolific striker Tony Lee helped himself to as hattrick.
After a shock 3-0 defeat to Kings Langley FC at the start of the season, Poole Town bounced back to thrash the Kings 6-2 at Tatnam Ground on Saturday afternoon.
Despite kick-off being delayed by 15 minutes, the action was far from delayed. In the opening minutes, Kings Langley belted the ball off the post, waking up the home side immediately, sparking a flurry of chances for Poole.
A strong penalty call was turned down in the opening 10 minutes after Tony Lee appeared to have been fouled from behind but the referee waived away the shouts from the home side. The striker also saw a headed chance cleared off the line just moments later.
Poole capitalized on their early opportunities and in the 11th minute, Will Spetch, blasted a header onto the underside of the bar, before his second header hit the back of the net.
This initial goal gave The Dolphins a sense of control, with star man Lee applying pressure to the away side's defence. Just seven minutes after the first goal, Lee maintained his composure, slotting home a one-on-one chance, burying the ball into the far-left corner, leaving Kings Langley keeper Lee Axworthy rooted to the spot.
However, the Kings certainly hadn’t given up yet, with some promising attacks. The 31st minute saw a looping ball to the back post reach Jack Wood, who hit the ball just over the bar.
Poole closed the first half dominnating possession but couldn’t extend their lead further and went into the break 2-0 up.
The game burst into action as the second half commenced. Langley missed a free kick and a shot from the left side of the box. In the 55th minute, Will Hoskins was able to put his side right back into the game making it 2-1.
Poole were given a wake-up call, similar to the first half and responded straight away. The Dolphins went straight up the other end with Lee leading the attack. The Dolphins top scorer slotted home another one-on-one opportunity to restore the home side's two-goal advantage.
Poole were going all out at this point. Lee collected the ball from midfield and played Luke Burbidge in who prompty made it 4-1 - leaving Langley stunned just before the hour mark.
Langley refused to lie down though, and a fast-paced counter attack after a Poole corner saw the away side score from a break away in the 65th minute.
At 4-2, Kings Langley continued to push for another goal, with a long-ranged effort saved by Tommy Scott who pushed the ball out for a corner.
Burbidge killed the game off in the 77th minute, with a stunning goal. His dribbling skill on the edge of the box was too hot to handle, driving forward and smashing his shot home. The away team started to look defeated at this point, at 5-2.
Lee, who had been running the show for Poole also managed to get a deserved hattrick in the 83rd minute, with a shot spilled by Axworthy, the striker tapped home to go 6-2 up.
The match ended with smiles all round for the home supporters and team, as Poole go into 7th place after their first win in three. Kings Langley remain in 20th position, dancing dangerously with relegation.
Poole’s next match is away to Beaconsfield Town FC, currently placed 18th in the table.