BOSS Steve Tully says his Poole Town side “were way below what we should’ve been at” as they were beaten 3-1 by Bashley.

In the club’s third pre-season friendly of the summer, Dolphins were well beaten by the New Forest side, with Toby Holmes reducing arrears late on.

The game took place at Hythe & Dibden’s Clayfields ground, with Tully admitting Bashley, who compete in a league below Poole, were deserving of their win.

Speaking to Dolphins’ club media, Tully said: “We were way below what we should’ve been at.

“We looked a little bit leggy.

“Bashley were up for it and we probably didn’t show enough fight and aggression.

“But I was really impressed with the last 30 minutes.

“We created a lot of chances in the second half and we caused them a lot of problems.”

He added: “You want to build a bit of momentum and I’m disappointed with the result, but I’ve got to look at the overall picture.

“It’s good fitness, good minutes in the legs. Bashley fully deserved to win, full credit to them.

“We’re not far away. We’re missing a couple more players to fill.

“Obviously the goalkeeper is a big thing and left-back we’re looking for still.

“It’s now getting that sharpness and fitness and building that all-round mentality not to get beat.

“But we’re going into a two-week period now where we’re playing four games in 14 days.

“It’s going to be tough on the players, but it’s good. It’s what we need.”

The first of those games comes against Wessex Premier side Portland United on Tuesday night, the game to be played at Shaftesbury.

Southern Premier Poole will then head to Brockenhurst, who also compete two levels lower, on Friday night. Both games are scheduled for a 7.30pm kick-off.