Dolphins are still the team to beat

Almost unthinkable, isn’t it, that these teams could still be as dominant without the players who hold them together at either end of the field.

But that is exactly what Poole Town are managing to do. The reigning champions have, so far this season, been in unstoppable form without the men who were so key to their title win last term.

Goalkeeper Jason Harvell departed for rivals Bournemouth Poppies, while prolific goalscorer Charlie Austin is set to by unveiled at a press conference early next week after signing for Swindon Town.

Most other teams in the Wessex Premier would find themselves in big trouble without such top performers. You only have to look at Hamworthy United’s record this season since Martin Peters and Warren Byerley have been unavailable for proof of that.

However, Tom Killick’s Dolphins are still the team to beat.

Admittedly, Austin has only been out of the picture for the past couple of games, but Harvell has been missing all season.

The signing of Nic Jones in goal means Harvell, arguably the best keeper on the local step five scene, has not been missed as much as was probably first feared.

The boots of Austin, on the other hand, are even bigger ones to fill.

It’s very much a case of so far, so good on that front. Russell Cook and Steve Smith have grasped the opportunity with both hands in the race to replace Austin and the guaranteed goals which departed Tatnam with him.

Stuart Brown is also in reserve, while Killick will no doubt look to discover another goalscoring talent to complete his favoured striking quartet.

It remains to be seen whether the relentless pace Poole have set in the opening phase of the campaign can be maintained.

But all the indications, despite the loss of Harvell and Austin, point to more silverware arriving in the club’s cabinet.

With that pair, the championship would surely have been secured. Without them, the same outcome is likely, but it gives the others a glimmer of hope.