AN EARLY header from Will Spetch proved enough for Poole Town to secure a 1-0 win over Walton Casuals.

It marked a sixth straight Black Gold Stadium victory for the Dolphins since the turn of the year, in league and cup.

Tom Killick's men have not enjoyed the same form on the road, heading into the clash with Walton on the back of a 6-1 humbling at league leaders Hayes & Yeading last time out.

Dolphins made two changes from that defeat, with Spetch and Cherries loanee Noa Boutin coming in for his debut. Sean Wright and Jamie Whisken dropped out.

And Spetch quickly marked his return with a goal, heading in from a Corby Moore free-kick.

Tony Lee missed a couple of good chances to extend the lead, while Mark Childs denied Walton's Jordy Mongoy, before the hosts were also forced into a late goalmouth scramble to ensure victory.

Poole, who move up to ninth in the Southern Premier table with this win, face Hamworthy United in the Dorset Senior Cup final on Tuesday.

Dolphins: Childs, Rose, Spetch, Seddon, Dickson, Moore, Carmichael, Holmes (Daws, 59), Pardoe (Sean Wright, 90+2), Boutin, Lee.

Unused subs: Sam Wright, Forbes, Butler (g/k).