STEVE Devlin kept Poole Town’s title charge on track with a dramatic late spot-kick before admitting: I had no choice but to score.
Dolphins were locked at 2-2 with Cambridge City at Tatnam when substitute Luke Roberts was felled in the box by Adam Murray two minutes from time.
And midfielder Devlin – who had seen his earlier penalty saved by Zac Barrett – sent the Lilywhites stopper the wrong way with an emphatic rising drive.
That winner, coupled with Corby’s 2-2 draw with visitors Dorchester, propelled Poole back to the top of the Southern Premier and guaranteed Tom Killick’s side at least a play-off spot come April 25.
Devlin, himself a former Dorchester player, conceded that the late spot-kick had been a chance too important to miss.
He told the Daily Echo: “Before I hit the first penalty I saw the keeper move but it was too late to change my mind and he saved it.
“I hit the second a bit more vigorously. I had decided to go the same way with a bit more power and height and luckily he went the wrong way.
“I had to make sure it went in because there was so much at stake. I had to redeem myself somehow so it was nice to see it go in.
“When we played away to Frome last season I missed a penalty and then scored one, so where penalties are concerned I won’t ever change.
“I’m always willing to take them and I don’t think anyone would want anyone else taking one while I’m on the pitch.”
Devlin added: “We started a bit sluggishly but then we got a foothold in the game. The lads dug deep and got us a lead going into half-time.
“In the second half we were a bit flat but we still got the three points and it’s another result towards what we want to achieve.
“Considering Corby drew, it was a massive win. I would imagine Corby would have been a bit deflated to see that we had won with a late penalty.”
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