POOLE TOWN fell to a fifth defeat in a row with a 2-0 loss away at Salisbury in the Southern League Premier South.

Goals in either half from Aaron Simpson and Ryan Penny condemned Poole to a second loss to Salisbury in the span of two weeks, having capitulated at home to lose 5-4 at the end of January.

Latest signing and former Cherries youngster Jake Scrimshaw was named on the bench following his move from Gosport Borough, whilst Billy Lowes was restored to the starting line up.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium early on, Wes Fogden attempting to catch Harry Lee off his line with a lob without success.

Neither side could draw blood until the closing stages of the first period.

On the stroke of half time Jaden Perez’s ball over the top found Simpson, who rifled home to break the deadlock.

Dolphins looked for a response at the start of the second period but it would be the hosts who went closest after the restart, Dan Fitchett blasting wide.

On the hour mark Salisbury would find their second.

The chance stemmed from a Poole attack up the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Lee making two stops that allowed Salisbury to break forward on the counter.

Defender Penny powered home Salisbury’s second, effectively putting the game to bed.

Neither goalkeeper was truly tested in the remainder of regulation time, Poole’s Lloyd Thomas called into action to safely deal with a long-ranged Penny attempt.

Dolphins were given a chance to set up a grandstand finish when a penalty was awarded in added time.

However, Toby Holmes saw his spot-kick saved by Lee in the Salisbury goal, rounding off a miserable afternoon for Poole.

Dolphins: Thomas; Rose, Whisken, Staunton, Hutchinson; Lowes (Samadi, 82), Murray, Fogden, Tshaka (Pardoe, 71), Slade (Scrimshaw, 60); Holmes.

Unused subs: Nippard, Monk.