DOLPHINS boss Tom Killick was "quite pleased" with his side’s performance against Cherries’ development squad despite falling to a late 2-1 defeat.

Former Cherry Wes Fogden opened scores just before half-time, with Alan Connell’s youthful side striking back late on via a Kian Tydeman double after both sides made sweeping changes to their team.

Killick had joked prior to the encounter that his side would spend the game ball-watching based on encounters over the years with the young Cherries, but in the first half Poole controlled possession and looked to be the more dangerous team.

With elder members of the development squad training with the first team in Marbella and the under-18s featuring on a tour of their own in Scotland, Connell’s side featured mainly first-year professionals as well as Jamal Lowe.

Asked for his thoughts on the game, Killick responded: “Bournemouth were a bit more youthful than they have been in previous seasons, but still full of very good players.

“So I was pleased with how we did in the first half, and I think because of what happened last year and because we know the sort of levels we're going to be up against, I think the players are immediately in a situation where they know that they can't be sloppy.

“Otherwise you end up having long spells without the ball and you get punished. So I was quite pleased, considering it is so early in pre-season, with our levels.

“I was pleased with our mentality in terms of concentration and what we were prepared to do, as well as the physical levels.

“So I thought it was quite good all round.

“And then second half, Bournemouth were making rolling subs, towards the end they got the upper hand, scored a couple of good goals, but, I think overall it was a good evening for us.”

Poole’s pre-season campaign continues this weekend when they welcome Yorkshire outfit Pickering Town down to the BlackGold Stadium.

The ninth-tier club will travel down to Dorset for the weekend as part of their own preparations for the upcoming season.