BOSS Tom Killick hailed the “phenomenal” goalscoring prowess of Steve Smith but saved a special mention for his new-look defence after Poole Town’s latest victory.

The reigning champions hammered Alton Town at Tatnam with Smith continuing his form by bagging a brace, while Will Spetch and Carl Preston were also on target as Dolphins climbed to fourth in the table.

Killick again lavished praise on prolific frontman Smith, but he was also quick to highlight the importance of his defenders’ contribution.

In the absence of regulars Lamin Dibba and Michael Walker, a combination of youth and experience at the back proved fruitful for Killick’s side.

Killick said: “I’ve brought in a left-back, Jake Smeeton, from Dorchester and he’s been a good, steadying influence for us.

“Aaron Skelton is an absolutely quality performer at this level and he comes in and can play in midfield and at the back, and he always looks really accomplished.”

Discussing Spetch, Killick added: “It was probably quite harsh to have brought in Jake Smeeton because Will had done well.

“I just felt that extra bit of experience would help, but it was a bit unfair for Will.

“But he came back in on Saturday and, although he’s more a left-back than a centre-half, he looked like he’d been playing there for his whole career.

“Him and Skelts were very good together in central defence and now it becomes a problem tomorrow because I will have Lamin and Michael back.”

• For news on the other local non-league teams and previews of midweek games, see Tuesday’s Echo.

Dolphins: Jones, Poore, Skelton (S Walker, 80), Spetch, Smeeton, Cream (Cook, 60), Richardson (C Smith, 70), Hubbard, Preston, Smith, Cann.