BOSS Tom Killick heaped praise on his threadbare Poole Town squad after they had more than matched National South high-fliers Chelmsford during a 0-0 draw at Black Gold Stadium.

The Dolphins, who had six players missing due to a combination of suspension and injury, were on top for large spells of the contest.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “I think you have to look at that as a point earned, especially if you look at the opposition and the run of results we have had.

“We went head-to-head against one of the sides that I am sure will finish in the top three and I felt we didn’t look inferior in any way.

“In terms of numbers, we are unbelievably depleted and, at the end, Corby Moore and Shaun Cooper were really struggling.

“On top of that, the list of players we have out injured is horrendous. You have to factor in all those things.”

In a game of few chances, Cherries loanee Ollie Harfield came closest when he flashed a half-volley narrowly over the crossbar.

Even though Dolphins could not click in the final third, Killick was encouraged by the efforts on display.

He added: “We weren’t at our best, we know that.

“But the one thing no-one can level at us is that there was a lack of desire, spirit and determination to win the game and that’s all you can really ask.

“It reminded me more of our performances from last season when we were doing well.”

“If we were to be a bit picky, we would have liked to have a bit more quality and composure in the final third.

“But you do have games like that where it wasn’t a game of many chances for either side. It was a bit nip and tuck but I felt we were more likely to nick a winner.

“I thought that the players involved all had a real go to win the game and if we can replicate that sort of performance over the course of the season, we will pick up enough points.”

Although Poole’s efforts indicate a turn in fortunes, any instant talk of a return to the play-off picture will be muted as Killick intends to keep his charges grounded in terms of pulling away from the relegation mire.

He said: “I’m not even looking at the play-offs – I just want to get out of the position we are in.

“That’s the be-all and end-all. If we can get ourselves in a position higher up the table, we can start thinking about it.

“But, at the moment, our thoughts are solely on getting out of where we are now.”

Despite an encouraging display, Poole remained winless in eight league games and currently occupy the final relegation spot.

Dolphins: Hutchings, Dickson, Moore, Lindsay, Whisken, Pettefer, Baggie (Balmer, 78), Cooper, Bentley (Gillespie, 90), Bedford, Harfield. Unused subs: Cook, Smeeton, Rees (g/k).