SKIPPER Jamie Whisken believes Poole Town’s goal-fest to end the season was just the tonic for a bumpy season, but the Dolphins stalwart admitted it had been “tough” to see his side flounder this campaign.

Poole’s pre-season ambitions of a play-off push faded away into mid-table obscurity, leading Whisken without anything to play for come April for arguably the first time since he arrived from AFC Totton in 2014.

Dolphins did put a smile on their fans' faces when they thumped play-off bound Met Police 5-2 at the weekend, but Whisken admitted that Poole had not been up to scratch over the course of the campaign.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Whisken stated: “Obviously it's easier when there's no pressure on you and you're a bit more relaxed.

“You could tell the changing room was relaxed going into the game, but still, a great finish to the game – not just the season, but the game.

“The last ten minutes was frightening. It's always good to finish on a high regardless of what's gone on throughout the season.

“It’s been tough, I'm not going to lie, I've only ever had something to play for here.

“So, it's been frustrating at times.”

Frustrated by the team’s performance as a whole, Whisken also conceded that he himself could have done better in certain areas.

“I've probably been a little too frustrated with players than I should have been,” continued the former Cherries youngster.

“But I'm a winner. I want to go up every single season. I want something to play for.

“There’s been frustrating times, but it is what it is. Fingers crossed next season, it can only motivate us more to not be in this position next year and be right at the top end of the table.

“I still think even that core of six, seven players can still do more, and we know we can. The bits around that need to come off.

“The loan signings need to come off like they have in previous seasons. The bench needs to be strong and it's just those little fine margins.”