TOM Killick hailed the influence of veteran defender Lamin Dibba on Poole Town’s “best performance of the season” in last night's 2-0 victory at Redditch United.

Centre-half Dibba netted the opener a minute before half-time at the Valley Stadium before Richard Gillespie bagged his first goal since returning from long-term injury midway through the second half.

But Killick stressed that Dolphins didn’t have it all their own way in the Midlands and praised the resolute rearguard action which moved Poole to within three points of the Southern Premier play-off places with three games in hand on fifth-placed Cambridge City.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “I thought Redditch were a really good side and much-improved compared with the team we faced in December.

“After travelling so far and having had so many games lately, I felt it was our best performance of the season under circumstances.

"They had periods of sustained pressure and it took a tremendous amount of effort from everyone to keep them at bay.

“The energy levels and commitment were immense and our spirit was typified by Lamin Dibba who was imperious throughout.

“He hasn’t played much this season but it just goes to show the quality and determination we have within the squad.”

Dolphins: Thomas, Burbidge, Wannell, Dibba, Whisken, Brooks, Elliott (Lowes, 81), Devlin, Gillespie (Martin, 74), Preston, Cann. Unused subs: Davis, Chiedozie, Yates (g/k).