GOALKEEPER Nick Hutchings hailed Poole Town’s supporters after winning a national award voted for by non-league fans.

The Tatnam number one scooped the Non League Paper’s Goalkeeper of the Year gong after Dolphins die-hards had balloted in their droves.

Hutchings was today due to be presented with his trophy at Craven Cottage, home of Fulham FC.

And the 27-year-old stopper, who kept 17 league clean sheets as Dolphins cruised to the Southern League Division One South & West title, dedicated his award to the Tatnam faithful.

Hutchings told the Daily Echo: “It was a really humbling experience if I’m honest.

“To be in a room with so many Conference footballers and to pick up the award ahead of goalkeepers of that calibre, at the level I am at, is fantastic.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted, but especially to the Poole fans. If it wasn’t for them voting in such great numbers, I wouldn’t have won it.

“That is what Poole Town is all about and that is why all of the lads love playing there.”

Meanwhile, Hutchings’s manager Tom Killick hailed his stopper’s progress but said that Poole’s stellar defensive record was a team effort.

Killick added: “I am particularly pleased for Nick because he does have to work very hard at his game – it doesn’t all come naturally to him and he has to be dedicated.

“The award is a great credit to Nick, and to his coach Robbie Yates, but the quality of the defence playing in front of him is a big factor and it reflects well on the whole team.”