WIMBORNE skipper Scott Arnold has slammed as “disrespectful” comments made by Poole boss Tom Killick regarding the current Magpies squad.

Killick, speaking in the lead up to Wednesday’s Southern League Cup clash between the Dorset rivals, said no Wimborne player would “improve” his team.

The Magpies subsequently took great delight in making Killick eat his words when they eased to a 3-0 win over the Dolphins – their first derby victory in more than three years.

And, in a further twist, Poole old boys Micky Hubbard (two) and Steve Smith netted to sink their former club, two of no fewer than seven ex-Dolphins in the Magpies’ 16-man squad.

Arnold, who is closing in on his 400th appearance for Wimborne, told the Daily Echo: “It is a game everyone looks forward to but we didn’t want to build it up. We kept it low key and showed them a bit of respect. It was great to win and they are not world beaters.

“All the time I have been at Wimborne, I can only remember beating them once before. We wanted to show just how far we have come and I think this result proves that. I thought the comments about our lads were disrespectful. The boys in our squad who have played for Poole played a massive part in their recent history and helped them win three Wessex League titles.”

Asked if he felt Wimborne had players who could improve the Poole team, Arnold replied: “Absolutely 100 per cent.

“Jamie Davidson, on his day, is untouchable. If he had the desire and head on him, he would be playing league football, no question about it. But he likes the non-league scene.

“You only had to look at the difference between the two goalkeepers in the game. I don’t know how they wouldn’t have Jason Harvell over Nick Hutchings.”

Killick, who saw Poole reduced to 10 men against the Magpies following the 17th-minute dismissal of Will Spetch, added further fuel to the fire when he conducted a post-match interview with Hot Radio.

He said: “I stand by my comments. I was asked a question “would I have any Wimborne players in my starting 11?” The answer was no and is still.

“If anyone in the Wimborne changing room wants to have a wager with me on which team will finish higher in the league, I will take all bets.

“Surely the assessment for which is the best team will come in May when we look at the league table. If they are above us, they can come and prance up and down outside our changing room and bang on the door. If they are below us, perhaps they should just keep quiet and try to get a bit better.”

Third-placed Poole welcome back Glenn Howes, Adam Kelly and Matt Wright for the visit of Division One South & West rivals Cinderford to Tatnam tomorrow, while Shaun Brian is set to return for Wimborne’s trip to Evesham (both 3pm).

Magpies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Cole, Costello, Peprah-Annan, Blake, Gill, Hubbard, Jeffes, Davidson, Webb, Sainsbury, Smith, Kemble, Roast, Brian, Ackerman.

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Baines, Spetch, Emmerson, Walker, Collier, Wilson, Devlin, Byerley, Preston, Brooks, Sturgess, Lammali, Richardson, Clarke, Wright, Howes, Kelly, Brown.

  • Bashley will be bidding to chalk up a third successive away victory when they face Redditch United at the Valley Stadium in the Premier Division (3pm).

Bash: (from) Moore, Strickland, Oliver, Stephenson, Middleton, Richardson, Casey, Gradwell, Stokoe, Gamble, Jenkinson, Knight, Finlay, Hill, Green, Kearn.