TOM Killick praised the performances of his young players as a much-changed Poole Town bowed out of the Southern League Challenge Cup against neighbours Wimborne Town.

Dolphins made seven changes from the weekend FA Cup win at Didcot Town, using the contest to give opportunities to a handful of reserve and fringe players.

Teenage goalkeeper Harry Phillips as well as youngsters Patrick McKay and Charlie Turner played the full 90 minutes at Black Gold Stadium while Cherries loanee Jake Cope scored on his rare start up front as did substitute Jason Dyer in the 4-2 defeat.

And despite the defeat to Danny Holmes's Magpies, Killick took the positives.

He told Dolphins TV: "Young Harry Phillips in goal, he's 16 years of age, I thought he was brilliant.

"He's someone we've got high hopes for. I thought he did well.

"I thought the young players on the whole did well.

"It's a step up from what they're used to in terms of the physicality of it apart from anything else so it is a good experience for them."

Table-topping Dolphins return to Southern League South action on Saturday, hosting seventh-placed Harrow Borough, while Wimborne go to rock-bottom Beaconsfield Town (both 3pm).