FIRST-team coach Taffy Richardson insisted Poole Town had “fully deserved” their three points having twice come back from two goals down in a nine-goal thriller at Paulton.

Dolphins looked destined for back-to-back league defeats on the road when Rovers ripped up the Southern Premier formbook as Mike Bryant and ex-Poole winger Jon Davies struck in the first 25 minutes.

Poole looked to have swung the pendulum back in their favour when Marvin Brooks netted a quick-fire double, only for the visitors to nudge back in front through Scott Wilson two minutes before the break.

Wilson then turned provider for Davies to make it 4-2 eight minutes after the restart but Portsmouth loanee Jack Maloney – making his Dolphins debut from the bench – teed up Luke Burbidge to set up a grandstand finish.

Maloney was then fouled in the penalty area with 15 minutes to play with Steve Devlin despatching the spot kick with aplomb to level matters.

Devlin then snatched a last-gasp winner to preserve Poole’s six-point cushion at the summit in the most dramatic of circumstances, sealing a result Richardson felt had been fully justified.

He told the Daily Echo: “I always thought we would get something out of the game. It was so frustrating to watch because we should have beaten them quite easily.

“To be fair to the defence, it was not that bad. They (Paulton) took their only four chances of the game and two resulted from fouls, another from an individual mistake.

“We kept going and, in the end, got what we deserved. We have the assistant referee to thank as well because he spotted the foul for the penalty. I don’t think the referee would have given it.

“I’m not one to moan about the officials but not a lot went our way so we were pleased the assistant intervened. He was very fair throughout the game and it was a very good decision.

“In the end we did well. It was one of those days on a small, tight pitch but we still came out with the win.”

Dolphins: Hutchings, Tallack (Dickson, 64), Martin, Jermyn, Whisken, Burbidge, Lindsay, Devlin, Brooks, Roberts (Maloney, 54), Lowes (Munday, 61). Unused subs: Pettefer Manley (g/k).