A CHANGE in goalkeeper and a depleted side did not throw Poole Town's early-season charge off course as they claimed a dramatic 1-0 win over Bath City.

Dolphins lost in-form stopper Nick Hutchings to a back injury in the 10th minute at Tatnam but understudy Tom Rees stepped in to help complete the team's fifth clean sheet in six outings.

And defender Michael Walker proved the unlikely match-winner when he sent home a superb strike from range with three minutes remaining.

Boss Tom Killick was pleased to see Rees play his part in a memorable victory, which elevated the National South new boys to fourth in the standings.

Killick told the Daily Echo: "Very early in the game, Hutch had to come off and we put Tom on and he was brilliant.

"He deserved his moment because he has travelled all round the country with us without any opportunity to play.

"Being a substitute goalkeeper is a thankless task in certain aspects but today was his day and he rose to the occasion."

Reflecting on Walker's late winner, Killick added: "If Walks scores a goal, nine times out of 10 it's going to be a header. This time it was a volley from 20 yards out with his wrong foot. It was a bit of a collector's item!

"But it was deserved reward for the players' endeavour. We were depleted and had three players playing out of position.

"Bath may feel aggrieved at the result but I just feel from our point of view, it was an immense backs-to-the-wall effort."

Killick was hopeful Hutchings's injury would swiftly heal but admitted the severity of the problem was unknown.

Dolphins: Hutchings (Rees, 10), Lindsay, Spetch, Walker, Whisken, Pettefer (Wort, 69), Burbidge, Devlin, Roberts, Granger, Chase. Unused subs: Davis, Kelly, Baggie.

Jamie Davidson, Paddy Hester and skipper Scott Arnold were forced off injured as Wimborne Town battled out a 2-2 draw with Winchester City at Cuthbury.

Luke Holmes bagged a stunning opener from range in the fourth minute but City levelled through Stuart Green just short of the half hour.

Sixteen minutes into the second half, Toby Holmes slotted home to restore the hosts' lead but they were soon pegged back by Howard Neighbour.

Magpies: O'Flaherty, Penny, Hester (O'Sullivan, 38), Arnold (Leonard, 57), S Davidson, Maybury, Stokoe, L Holmes, T Holmes, J Davidson (Cooper, 12), Kellaway. Unused subs: Harvey, Benfield (g/k).

In the Sydenhams Wessex Premier tonight, Brockenhurst will host Lymington Town after their new floodlights have been formally opened by former Southampton defender Francis Benali.

Elsewhere, Poppies entertain local rivals Bashley and Hamworthy United welcome Portland to the County Ground. On a busy night for derbies, Ringwood Town host New Milton Town in Wessex One.