JUBILANT Micky Hubbard expressed his surprise at how well Poole Town coped in the absence of Tom Killick to earn their first win since the boss received a six-game stadium ban.

Dolphins came from a goal down to record a 3-1 win against Southern League South rivals Merthyr Town at Black Gold Stadium.

Poole struggled without their long-term manager and slumped to a 5-1 loss against Chesham in their previous outing. And it appeared it was going to be more of the same when the Welsh visitors scored first through Kieran Lewis seven minutes into the game.

However, in the 21st minute the hosts quickly took the clash by the scruff of the neck and levelled through Jez Bedford, who fired home after Sam House’s mazy run.

Dolphins completed a four-minute turnaround when a wind-assisted Jake Smeeton free-kick from 25 yards out evaded everyone in the box and flew into the net.

James Constable secured victory with a neat finish late on after a brilliant run from debutant Yeovil Town loanee Tyrique Clarke.

Coach Hubbard, who took charge of Poole on Saturday, told the Daily Echo: “I was very pleased with what I saw. I thought it was going to be difficult with Tom not being here but it was really good.

“I didn’t really see them scoring. We just switched off, the wind then took it to the back post and our lad was caught out on the wrong side. But, I did not think that was the way the game was going and I was not worried at that point with how long we had left.”

“In the first 20 minutes, we left gaps between our midfield and attack which left James a bit isolated up top.

“We told the lads to close those gaps and get up the pitch and from that point on they didn’t really hurt us at all.”

Luke Cairney had to make an important save with the game in the balance at 2-1, denying Ian Traylor with his feet to maintain Poole’s advantage.

“The boys all treated it with respect and they all knew what they were doing, within reason,” said Hubbard. “They showed what adults they are, as such. They all grew into men. They managed the game so well.

“As a team, everyone knew what they were doing from Luke in goal all the way through to James Constable up front.

“Jez was really good today, their number three didn’t know what to do with him.

“I thought at times it could have been a bit more but 3-1 is very good and I’m sure the gaffer will be very happy.”

Dolphins: Cairney, Dickson, Smeeton, Leslie-Smith, Whisken, House (Clarke, 75), Griffin (Grange, 86), Moore, Constable, Brooks, Bedford. Unused subs: Sampson, Turner, Rolleston (g/k).