POOLE Town’s second pre-season friendly of the summer ended in a 2-0 defeat to Dorking Wanderers – but it could have been a different story.

Facing a side competing a level above the Dolphins in National League South, Dorking got the win thanks to goals from Jason Prior and Jimmy Muitt.

But Poole squandered three gilt-edged opportunities in the second period, which ultimately condemned them to defeat.

A crowd of just over 500 turned out at BlackGold Stadium for the visit of Dorking, recently relegated from the National League.

The first clear opening of the contest saw the visitors take the lead, on 35 minutes.

Former Cherries and Dolphins defender Brennan Camp crossed from the right for striker Prior, who peeled off his marker and headed back across goal to beat Poole’s trialist goalkeeper.

Wanderers missed a good opportunity to double the tally before the break. Jordan Norville-Williams got across his man at the near post, but flicked a shot wide.

Shortly after the restart, Poole should have been level. Tyler Forbes broke down the right and teed up Toby Holmes unmarked at the back post, but he inexplicably fired off target.

Forbes himself was then unable to force the ball over the line from close range soon after, his efforts twice cleared off the line, before Dorking doubled their lead in spectacular fashion.

Charlie Carter slashed the ball across the box, where it reached Muitt, who showed expert improvisation to execute a perfect bicycle kick over the head of defender Josh Staunton and past the despairing dive of the keeper.

Poole had the chance to get back into it when Forbes crossed for Antonio Diaz free at the back post, but his bobbling shot was saved.

The game fizzled out in the closing stages, by which time both teams had made wholesale changes.

Dolphins return to action on Friday, away at Bashley (7.45pm).