Poole Town draw 0-0 with AFC Totton

The 0-0 stalemate was heavily impacted by the conditions, the game passing a late pitch inspection.

With Dolphins sliding down the Southern Premier League South table after 12 defeats in their last 13 games, Poole will hope the draw arrests their slump in form.

A gentleman’s agreement meant that former Poole Town striker did not feature for the away side, as part of the transfer between the two clubs.

It was almost a disastrous start for the hosts, Harvey Wright clearing off the line within the opening minute.

Juan Luque must have thought he had opened scores when he tucked into an empty net, but was denied by the offside flag.

At the other end Holmes had a goal of his own ruled out, the striker adjudged to have fouled Totton keeper Josh Gould. 

Wright was again Poole’s saviour at the back, his sliding intervention deflecting Benny Read’s effort beyond the far post.

Ethan Taylor had his own shot turned around the post by a block, after Josh Staunton cheaply gave the ball away outside his own box.

At the other end the heavy pitch was taking the sting out of what little danger Poole could generate.

Substitute Kaya Tshaka had a shot trickle into the gloves of Gould with 15 minutes to go.

Taylor then spurned a golden chance to give Totton the lead.

One-on-one with Max Evans in the Poole goal, Taylor hesitated long enough for Declan Rose to get back in position, the eventual effort wide.

Totton were increasing their pressure.

Read was sent through on goal, Evans spreading himself big to keep his cleansheet intact.

But all of a sudden the game swung the other way, Poole enjoying a sustained period on the ball in the closing stages.

Such was their confidence, Dolphins deployed centre-half Jamie Whisken up top as a focal point.

However, Dolphins were unable to find a winner late on.

Dolphins: Evans; Rose, Whisken, Staunton, Zoumq (Hutchinson, 25), Wright; Lowes (Tshaka, 60), Murray, Slade; Holmes, Scrimshaw (Samadi, 60).

Unused subs: Thomas (g/k).