TOM Killick says his players’ “hatred of losing games” is behind Poole Town’s magnificent debut National South season.

Dolphins overcame a growing injury list to beat Weston-super-Mare on Saturday, with Marvin Brooks and Luke Burbidge both striking after half-time to break the visitors' doughty resistance.

And after watching his side retain their hold on the division's final play-off spot, Killick paid tribute to their winning mentality.

He told the Daily Echo: “It’s the players who deserve an awful lot of credit.

“They’ve shown tremendous heart and spirit, and a real determination to do well.

“I do think the fact we’ve been successful in the league below is significant. Winning is a habit and you end up possessing a strong winning mentality.

"That counts for an awful lot and we’ve managed to maintain that this year. There is a real hatred of losing games."

Killick admitted Poole were indebted to “inspired” number one Nick Hutchings for keeping Weston at bay during the opening half.

Dolphins capitalised on their ‘keeper’s efforts shortly after the restart, when striker Brooks cut inside onto his left-foot to stroke home his third goal in as many games.

Hutchings then saved point-blank from Brad Ash after Mohamed Chemlal’s initial shot struck the bar, leaving Burbidge to wrap things up in the final minute when he danced past Ben Gerring and finished beyond visiting number one Luke Purnell.

Corby Moore was handed a rare start against Weston, with left-back Jake Smeeton sidelined by the leg injury he sustained in last Tuesday's victory over St Albans.

Former Southampton youngster Moore impressed sufficiently to persuade manager Killick his need for a new defensive body isn't as urgent as he previously suspected.

“Corby did really well,” said Killick. “I was pleased to be able to give him an opportunity.

“He hasn’t had enough chances to play, considering the attitude and work ethic he’s shown when he has been on the pitch.

“At the moment our pressing need is for a defender, but Corby’s performance makes me think it’s not essential.

“If we have to carry on as we are then I’m happy to do that.”

Killick expects Smeeton to be back before the end of the month. Fellow full-back Shaun Cooper will miss two to three weeks with his calf injury, while forward Richard Gillespie is closing on a return to action.

And with Lewis Lindsay also making strides in his recovery from tendinitis in his knee, Michael Walker – due to have an operation to repair his cruciate ligament – is Dolphins’ only long-term absentee.

With numbers thin on the ground, Killick cancelled last Thursday’s training session

“I thought we were running on empty and I just couldn’t afford to sustain one more injury,” he added.

“But we will be training this week. You have to make sure the fit players are properly prepared and in good shape.”

Dolphins: Hutchings; Tallack, Spetch, Whisken, Moore; Pettefer, Devlin; Roberts, Baggie (Wakefield, 68), Burbidge; Brooks (Askew, 90+2). Unused subs: Rees, Gale, Davis.