POOLE Town boss Tom Killick believes the time for being disappointed following a dreary defeat to Dorchester on Monday is over as Dolphins begin their FA Cup campaign.

Ninth-tier Barnstaple Town are the opponents as Poole start a potential cup run in the first qualifying round at home on Saturday, September 2 (3pm).

A spluttering start to the new season sees Poole just outside the play-offs after six games, eight points behind league leaders Merthyr Town.

Dolphins will hope for a better showing than the display during the bank holiday, lowly Dorchester Town earning their first victory of the campaign by hitting Poole on the break twice to win 2-1.

Previewing the tie, Killick told the Daily Echo: “We can't feel sorry for ourselves. It's just such a vital game, for the players, for the club.

“You can't allow yourselves to dwell on disappointments.

“I just always say to people, I think there has to be that balance where you really do soak up the disappointment and the upset of it, but only the time when that's available.

“And now that time has passed and we’ve got to shake it off and try and make sure that there's no hangover.”

Poole’s preparations for the weekend have been impacted by the news that assistant manager Micky Hubbard had resigned from his role.

“It’s not ideal,” restarted Killick.

“Because Micky was amazing for me in terms of the support, loyalty and expertise that he brought to his role.

“But also he did have a very good relationship with the players and he’s a very strong personality around the group.

“With me being the age I am and him being the age he is, he was much more socially aligned with the group than me.

“So he's going to be sorely missed on both fronts, firstly by me and secondly by the players.

“But again, as much, which is that we have to deal with that, you have to have the fortitude to make sure you are properly prepared and in the right mindset on Saturday.”