TOM Killick argued Poole Town's baptism of fire in National South had been closer than the scoreline had suggested – even at the risk of sounding "deluded".

The Dolphins lost 4-0 at red-hot title favourites Ebbsfleet United in Saturday's opener at Stonebridge Road thanks to goals from Dean Rance, Danny Kedwell (2) and Jack Powell.

Poole had competed with their big-spending hosts until the interval but Luke Burbidge's moment to forget gift-wrapped Kedwell's first four minutes after the restart.

Boss Killick conceded it had been an uphill struggle from there but was optimistic his charges would not have found the experience too draining.

"You can look at it two ways," said Killick

"Understandably, people who were not there will look at it as a comprehensive defeat but I felt we were the better side in the first half.

"People might think I am deluded when I say that but our focus now needs to be on replicating that as well as learning from the mistakes and how unforgiving football can be at this level.

“Burbs probably gave away the ball in that sort of area a few times last season and, generally, it came to nothing. This time, it was in the back of the net inside a matter of seconds.

“They scored an exceptional goal early on which deflated us but, other than that, it was even and you could argue we had the better opportunities before half-time.

“We were very much in contention and said to the players at half-time how important it would be to stay in the game because had we gone into the latter stages at 1-0 and felt confident about getting something.

“To concede when we did and in the manner we did was unforgivable and it meant the game was beyond us from that point.

“From there, Ebbsfleet showed their quality and class and, in the end we were well beaten but a lot of that was down to the timing and manner of the second goal.

“I am frustrated rather than angry. I felt our performance augured well for a good challenge in the second half and view it as a missed opportunity.

“We are going to make mistakes and I accept that provided we learn from them. If we repeat them, it will not be tolerated.

“This was always going to be a big ask but I didn’t see a particularly big gulf between the sides and we will come out fighting on Tuesday. Maidenhead will be a more realistic assessment for us.”

To compound a bad day, Marvin Brooks was substituted through injury after 17 minutes and will miss Poole’s midweek outing.

“It was a big loss for us,” added Killick. “Marv could have had a big influence and to take him off early on was difficult for us. I can’t see him being available against Maidenhead and it is too soon for Jamie Gleeson as well.

“The squad will be made up of what we had on Saturday minus Marvin.”

Defender Michael Walker will also be unavailable for the next two National South outings due to a suspension carried over from last season.