POOLE Town boss Tom Killick admitted that Dolphins had been responsible for their downfall at Kettering but insisted that defeat had been "no disgrace".

The Southern Premier leaders, unbeaten in 12 of their previous 13 league games, were sunk by a second-half own goal by Michael Walker at Latimer Park.

Dolphins keeper Nick Hutchings had earlier saved a first-half penalty from Rene Howe after being harshly judged to have fouled Liam Canavan.

But Walker's unfortunate contribution midway through the second period ultimately settled matters in a attritional clash played out in tricky conditions.

Killick told the Daily Echo: "It was annoying because in the first half we defended well having had the worst of the conditions. We got to half-time at 0-0 and really I think we should have had enough to win the game once we got to that point.

"But in the second half we didn't do particularly well. We created a couple of opportunities but not enough.

"We only have ourselves to blame because in the first half we gave ourselves a platform to at least draw the game.

"The conditions made it very difficult for either side to play any real football as it was windy and the pitch was really heavy.

"There wasn't much in the game and we just missed out by a narrow margin. I think a draw would have been a fair result.

"You have to bear in mind that Kettering are a fast-improving team. They have added to their squad and in my opinion their league position is slightly false.

"I don't think there is any disgrace in losing but we are just frustrated because we put ourselves in such a good position."

Killick also slammed the referee's decision to award a first-half penalty and insisted that Hutchings had successfully cleared the ball without coming close to committing a foul.

The boss added: "Justice prevailed with the penalty save because it was a ridiculous decision and everyone could see it wasn't a penalty.

"Hutch got to the ball before their striker, cleared it and then the striker collided with him and fell over. To everyone's astonishment, including the other team, the referee gave a penalty.

"I was pleased that the decision didn't have a significant impact on the game."

Despite the defeat, Poole remain eight points clear at the top of the standings. However, second-placed Leamington, in FA Trophy action on Saturday, have two games in hand.

Redditch sit on the same points total as Leamington but have just one game in hand on Poole.

Dolphins: Hutchings, Tallack (Holmes, 76), Lindsay, Walker, Spetch, Pettefer, Burbidge, Devlin, Roberts, Brooks, Dickson. Unused subs: Whisken, Gillespie, Connell, Rees (g/k).