TREFOR Smith's sensational 20-yarder broke the deadlock early in the second half and kept Poole's title hopes on course.

The Dolphins have battled back bravely from their glum days in the mid-nineties when they lost their Southern League status.

But it looks as though all the club's hard work could be about to pay off this term as they maintained their six-lead at the top of the table.

Promotion back into the Southern League has always been the aim, even in Dolphins' darkest days of playing in the Hampshire League.

Smith's goal was a blinder and pivotal to Poole getting three points.

Dolphins manager Tom Killick said: "We bought Trefor and Aaron Skelton on at half time and Trefor immediately caused problems.

"We hadn't played well but after that we dominated, with Karim Benssaouda scoring with a very good header and Dan Cann also on target.

"Trefor missed our midweek game at Fareham through injury and because we played well there, I didn't think I could change the 11.

"But in terms of attacking flair he is one of our most exciting players.

"We decided to bring him on to try and liven things up and he did well."

Poole Town: Frampton, Steer (Skelton ht), I Richardson, Whitley, Hogan, Cann, S Richardson (Culliford 66), C Smith (T Smith ht), Funnell, Benssauoda, S Smith. Unused subs: Brown, D Sturgess.