POOLE Town boss Steve Tully praised his side for showing “bottle” and “bravery” during their 0-0 stalemate with AFC Totton on Good Friday.

Struggling Dolphins arrested a run of four straight defeats in the Southern League Premier South, holding play-off chasing Totton at Tatnam Farm in Tully’s second game in charge.

After somehow going into the break unscathed, Poole avoided further scares in the second period from their guests, before ending the game in the ascendency.

However, they were unable to fully master the heavy pitch, their extended pressure in the closing stages not leading to any particularly clear-cut chances.

Tully chose to be optimistic after the game, stating that the draw was a first step in the right direction.

He told the Daily Echo: “Probably coming in to the game we’d have taken a point, absolutely.

“The way the game panned out in the first half, delighted to come in (at the break 0-0) because Totton had 90 per cent of the pressure.

“We found it really hard to get out of, as I call it, the bad half, because the pitch is quite soft on that end.

“The lads found it really hard to get out so, but I’m delighted with the response from the players second half.

“I thought they showed a lot of bottle, a lot of bravery to get on the ball.

“When we went to a 4-3-3, with the two young lads playing wide, I thought they gave us a real impetus to play forward and they gave us an outlet.

“And I loved their energy and desire to actually take the game to Totton, which we probably didn't do in the 3-5-2.

“So really, really pleased.

“But it's only a step and we've got to keep moving forwards.”

There was also specific praise for Harvey Wright from Tully, who hailed the defender’s versatility.

Wright twice came to Poole’s rescue, including a clearance off the line inside the opening minute.

“Harvey Wright played two to three different positions,” continued Tully.

“He was a left-wing-back, he played as a left-side centre-half.

“Then he played as a centre-half in a two at the back four and every job he did, he was amazing.

“He's one of these people that you can trust your hat on.

“He does a job for you.

"He's calm on the ball, he picks the right passes and he really wants to keep a clean sheet. So I'm really, really pleased.

“It's a good point. It's a start in the right direction, but we've now got to kick on.”