TOM Killick praised “the immediate impact” former Luton striker Stuart Douglas made for Poole Town after he grabbed two goals on his debut.

The 32-year-old frontman, who has joined Dolphins from Dorchester Town on a non-contract basis until the end of the season, struck in each half as Poole leapt back to the top of the table.

Douglas, one of several players released by Magpies last month to lighten their wage bill, has also appeared for Weymouth and Boston United.

Steve Smith and Micky Hubbard also netted for Dolphins, who conceded a first-half penalty as Alton made it 1-1.

But it was Douglas’s performance Poole’s travelling support were talking about as they left Alton for their return trip to Dorset.

Killick said: “We were pleased he made such an immediate impact. He did well.

“Stuart’s been a bit short of match fitness. He hasn’t played an awful lot of football recently but he took his goals really well and I know he’ll be a big player for us.

“He’s physically strong. He’s also a very strong character, an ex-pro who is going to make a big impact with his influence on our other players.

“I’m looking forward to him helping some of the younger lads in the same way some of the other experienced players in our side do already.

“He can be a great influence on the pitch in terms of his performances as well.

“It’s always very good to have experienced heads in your side and it’s a good start for Stuart.

“Altogether, it was a great weekend for us because Winchester City and Brading drew 2-2, Bemerton lost 3-0 at Fareham and Poppies drew 2-2 at Fawley.”

Wimborne back-up custodian Nick Hutchings lined up against Alton as a stand-in for regular Poole keeper Nic Jones, who hurt his hand while undergoing boxing training.

Jones is not expected to be out for long, but Killick said: “Nick was excellent. He nearly saved a penalty and his positioning and handling was very good.

“It was very good of Wimborne to help us out. It really did us a favour.”

Former Eastleigh and Brockenhurst winger Taz Roberts also made his Poole debut as a second-half substitute after signing from Bashley.

Dolphins: Hutchings, Poore, M Walker, Skelton, Smeeton, Preston, Gill (Roberts, 65), Richardson (Hubbard, 60), Sturgess, Douglas (Spetch, 70), Smith. Unused subs: S Walker, Dibba.