A MIXED Poole Town side suffered a 2-1 friendly defeat at Dorset Premier League outfit Merley Cobham Sports on Tuesday.

National South new boys Poole fielded a team including first-team players, trialists and members of the under-21s squad.

Merley took the lead against the run of play midway through the half, Sam Elliot providing an angled finish from 10 yards.

The equaliser arrived on the stroke of half-time when winger Luke Burbidge finished off a fine move.

Both teams made wholesale changes at the interval and five minutes after the restart, Merley took the lead once more.

A fine pass from Tom Hall found Dave Weeden and he beat keeper Nick Hutchings with a left-footed strike, which proved the winner.

On the same night, another Dolphins side drew 1-1 with New Milton.

Lee Wort was on target for Poole just before half-time but Adam Louka levelled late for the hosts.