FORMER Cherries prospect George Webb made his first start for Bournemouth Poppies as they missed an opportunity to climb to the Wessex League summit.

With leaders Bemerton Heath Harlequins not in action and reigning champions Poole Town in the FA Vase, Poppies were presented with an ideal chance to leap to the top of the table.

But Paul Wiltshire’s second-half goal denied the Victoria Park outfit – and inflicted just a third league loss of the season – as Totton and Eling tightened their grip on a top-six spot.

Despite the defeat, Poppies coach Dan Neville remained upbeat and revealed his delight at the recruitment of Webb, who left Dean Court earlier this season.

“He’s got a bit of pedigree, he knows how to conduct himself and he is a young lad with lots of energy,” said Neville.

“He’s a really good lad and he just wants to play football. He has a real energy and enthusiasm about him.”

Neville’s side have emerged as surprise title contenders following a flying start to the campaign, which has taken many people by surprise.

He said: “We haven’t set the players goals in terms of points or position. We’ve just asked them to be as good as they can be.

“They haven’t let us down at all. They are a really top bunch to work with.”

Discussing Saturday’s match, in which Dan Cann was denied by the crossbar, Neville added: “Totton worked tremendously hard. It’s quite a tough place to go to and I think teams will struggle there. I think they will probably be in the top six or seven.”

Poppies: Harvell, Sanderson, Crutcher, Byrne, Jones, Wrixton, Phillipson-Masters, Blake, Webb (R Wilson, 70), Cann, Cream (Bates, 10).