Poole Town lose 1-0 at home to Basingstoke Town

Basingstoke ran out 1-0 winners at Tatnam Farm courtesy of Billy Upton’s 33rd minute header, Dolphins unable to muster up a response.

Latest signing Jordan Chiedozie was named on the bench whilst Jake Scrimshaw was handed a first start since rejoining Poole, partnering Toby Holmes up top.

From the side defeated 2-0 at Salisbury last time out, Harry Hutchinson dropped to the bench, Harvey Wright returning to take his place, whilst Harvey Slade and Kaya Tshaka were replaced by Luke Pardoe and the aforementioned Scrimshaw.

Poole skipper Jamie Whisken denied his former side an early lead when he was well-placed to block Liam Ferdinand.

Basingstoke went close again when Bradley Wilson was given space and time inside the area, but the striker flashed wide to the relief of the Poole defence.

Defender Curtis Angell then saw a header well saved by Dolphins keeper Lloyd Thomas, but the resultant corner would produce the game’s only goal.

Ben Cook’s cross found Upton, who opened scores with an effort off the post.

Poole were improved in the second period as they hunted for a way back into the match.

Scrimshaw flashed a header wide, before Luke Pardoe’s cross into the box required a simple touch but bypassed everyone in the area.

That was the theme for most of Poole’s attempts, with the Basingstoke goal rarely threatened with direct shots.

The blank in front of goal is Poole’s fourth in a row, with their last goal coming in the 5-4 defeat at home to Salisbury at the start of the month.

Defeat sees Poole drop to within seven points of the relegation zone, with 11 points now separating Dolphins from their pre-season ambitions of a play-off finish.

Dolphins: Thomas; Rose, Whisken, Staunton, Wright; Murray (Chiedozie, 88), Pardoe, Fogden, Lowes (Slade, 68); Holmes (Samadi, h-t), Scrimshaw.

Unused subs: Hutchinson, Tshaka.