GOALKEEPER Nick Hutchings admitted his 150th league appearance for Poole Town may not have been one for the scrapbook but insisted victory was all that mattered.

Hutchings claimed a clean sheet as Tom Killick’s Southern League title favourites kicked off with a 1-0 win over former Conference giants Kettering on Saturday.

After a 45-minute delay due to the Poppies being stuck in traffic, the match was decided within the opening exchanges as Richard Gillespie’s flicked finish from Steve Devlin’s low centre settled matters three minutes in.

Dolphins dominated the first half but came under increased pressure after the interval with the home stopper, who had been a fitness doubt with a toe complaint, happy to get over the line.

Hutchings told the Daily Echo: “Before the game, Tom (Killick, manager) stressed the importance of a good start. With us travelling to Hungerford and St Neots over the next week, the pressure was on to get three points.

“It wasn’t the best of starts performance-wise but we did what we needed to and got the result.

“On a personal level, it wasn’t my best display. There was a cross in the second half I dropped without being under pressure but you don’t play perfectly every week or you wouldn’t be at this level.

"Missing a chunk of pre-season doesn’t help and everyone round the club knows I am not quite there yet in terms of fitness but the main thing is digging in and doing your part.

“We have two massive away games (at Hungerford and St Neots) coming up but if we can get a decent return, it will represent a good start.”

On his fitness battle, Hutchings added: “It was a bit touch and go. The pain was unbearable and I had to wear flip-flops for a couple of days. There is still a bit of pain but I can play through it.”

Meanwhile, the long-serving Tatnam custodian reckons their rugged performance is a good sign for their hopes of securing promotion to National South.

“In many ways, we just carried on from last season,” said Hutchings.

“Apart from having to make one save in the first half, it was pretty routine. We built from strong foundations last season and see no reason why it should be any different this time."

“We have kept the squad together, Richard Gillespie will feel the benefit of a full pre-season and we have Alan Connell, so there is goals in the team.

“Gilly will always chip in with goals. If he stays fit I’m sure he will get 25-30 and that’s what we lacked last season, the ability to kill off teams.”

Poole are straight back in action tonight with a trip to Hungerford Town (7.45pm).

Marvin Brooks is hoping to be fit after being brought off as a precaution against Kettering. Hutchings is set to play.

“Hungerford are always very competitive but it is good to get good sides early doors because it lets you know where you are,” added Hutchings.

Dolphins: Hutchings, Tallack, Lindsay, Walker, Whisken, Pettefer, Burbidge, Devlin, Roberts (Emmerson, 84), Brooks (Holmes, 58), Gillespie (Connell, 76). Unused subs: Spetch, Davidson.