MANAGER Tom Killick believes the next two matches could prove pivotal as Poole Town strive to make their title dream a reality.

Killick was speaking after watching second-placed Dolphins earn a 0-0 draw in the top-of-the-table showdown at Bulpit Lane on Saturday.

The Poole boss insisted the result was a better one for his men as they remained five points adrift of leaders Hungerford with five games in hand.

Killick reckons Dolphins are in pole position but admits they are facing a potentially crucial week in the battle for Division One South & West glory.

He has tasked his players with gaining six points as they prepare to host Taunton Town tomorrow ahead of a home meeting with Didcot at Tatnam.

Asked if he thought Poole were now favourites for the silverware, Killick told the Daily Echo: “Just – probably.

“I don’t think we are really strong favourites because we have got to play those games in hand.

“But if we manage to win on Tuesday and Saturday, we would find ourselves very close to Hungerford.

“If we could take six points, then we would be in a strong position, but the next two games are really key for us.”

Killick, who praised the overall performance of the referee, claimed Poole had been denied a clear penalty at Hungerford.

“Marvin Brooks knocked the ball past one of their players – he got there first – and the lad tripped him,” said Killick.

“It was clear cut, he didn’t get the ball and there was contact, but it was quite early in the game and the referee was a bit nervous about giving it.”

Discussing his team’s display, Killick added: “Overall, I thought we were the better side and had the better chances.

“We were reasonably satisfied with the draw. It was probably a better result for us than them.

“Both teams were stronger down the hill but when we were stronger, we put them under more pressure than they did to us.

“Both teams were positive and showed quality on the ball and I thought we did reasonably well.

“I loved the application of the players. Sometimes, I have been quite critical of them but, on Saturday, I thought they looked powerful.

“In the first half, we played how I want us to play, so I was pleased to see that in such a vital game,” he added.

New recruit Jacob Jagger Cane, signed on loan from Exeter City ahead of the game, was an unused substitute.

Dolphins: Hutchings, Clarke, Walker, Spetch, Emmerson (Dibba, h-t), Preston, Brooks, Kelly (Charles, 80), Devlin, Burbidge, Byerley (Cann, 65). Unused subs: Richardson, Cane.