POOLE Town took a big step towards safety in the Southern Premier League South with a 3-0 victory over Beaconsfield Town.

Fresh off the back of scoring a brace against Winchester City in midweek, Toby Holmes provided another two goals in the first half to send Dolphins towards their first back-to-back wins since December.

Poole’s leading marksman completed his hat-trick early into the second period, effectively sealing the three points for the hosts.

Dolphins were handed the opportunity for a perfect start when Tyler Forbes was felled inside the area.

Holmes stepped up and converted his second spot-kick in the space of two games, giving Poole an eighth-minute lead.

Shortly before the break, it would be two.

Billy Lowes combined with Holmes, the ball sitting up nicely for the striker to lash home a volley inside the box.

The former Taunton marksman kept his cool, blasting past Tom Norcott to double his tally.

Holmes continued to be a threat to Beaconsfield in the second period.

Norcott was equal to his first effort, as well as a shot from Wes Fogden teed up by Holmes.

But on 52 minutes, Holmes would have his hat-trick.

Fogden and Holmes combined again, the former slipping in the latter to score his 22nd goal of the campaign.

Content with their lead, Poole remained in control of proceedings.

Substitute Ky Samadi felt he should have had a penalty when he was tackled inside the area, the referee waving the appeals away.

Victory lifts Poole above Beaconsfield and into 13th place, six points clear of the relegation spots with three games remaining.

Poole return to action on Tuesday night, when they welcome Plymouth Parkway to Tatnam Farm.

Parkway occupy the final relegation spot of 19th although they have three games in hand over Poole.

Dolphins: Evans; Rose, Staunton, Whisken (Hutchinson, 56), Wright; Lowes, Fogden (Murray, 56), Slade; Forbes (Samadi, 66), Santos, Holmes.

Unused subs: Tshaka, Scrimshaw.