TOM Killick described as “terrible luck” the loss of Poole Town stalwart Steve Devlin after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Experienced midfielder Devlin last month suffered the knee injury in the 2-2 draw against Southern League South rivals Salisbury but only discovered the severity of the problem in the new year.

Killick fears he will be without the 33-year-old for up to 18 months.

Devlin served an eight-game ban in November and December following an exchange with the referee of Poole's pre-season friendly with Cherries, after he had been sent off.

The match against Salisbury was his first start since the Dorset Senior Cup win against Portland United on November 6.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “Steve is waiting for an operation and it is on the NHS. They told him it is likely to be a minimum of four months before he has it, which is always a frustration for players at our level.

"If he was at a professional club, his operation would have been last week and his recovery could begin. Instead, he faces several months waiting for the process to start.

"It is terrible luck for him and the club. He has had a very unfortunate season. He got a long suspension for something which did not happen, he came back and then got the injury.

"He is a talismanic figure for us. When he is fit and playing well, he is a National League South player.”

Devlin joined Dolphins from Dorchester in 2012 and played an important role in the club's Southern League title-winning season in 2015-16.

Poole tomorrow face 10th-place Swindon Supermarine at Black Gold Stadium (7.45pm) hoping to win their first home league game since October.

After 22 matches, Dolphins are ninth in the table and 10 points outside the play-off places, with games in hand.

Killick has lost the services of experienced striker Richard Gillespie, known as Mr Goals, who has joined Dorchester Town.

Meanwhile, a brace from Poole Town loanee Ollie Balmer helped Hamworthy United claim a 4-1 win against AFC Stoneham in the Wessex League Cup second round.

Bradley Gale and Sam Bayston also found the net for Hammers.

Poppies returned from the Isle of Wight with a 3-1 win against Cowes Sports in Wessex Premier. Goals from River Smith (2) and Steve Flynn maintained the Victoria Park outfit's perfect start to 2019.

Marksman Cameron Beard's late second-half header for Bashley secured a 1-0 win over Christchurch.

Lymington fell to a crushing 5-0 reverse at home to Sholing.

In Wessex One, Ringwood edged out Whitchurch 2-1 with goals from Dean Reynolds and Jack Barton.

James Guthrie netted for Verwood in a 1-1 draw at Newport and New Milton were held to the same scoreline by visitors Downton.

Bashley are tomorrow due to travel to Winchester for a Southampton Senior Cup quarter-final clash (7.45pm).