The Gills conceded a goal five minutes from both ends of the game to lose out to Southern League Premier side Poole Town in this entertaining Dorset Senior Cup semi-final played at the ground of Hamworthy United.
The game itself nearly exploded into life in the very first minute when Gills’ recent signing Aidan Kirby took a ferocious shot from outside the penalty area. The audacious effort had Poole keeper Nick Hutchings beaten low to his left and he was glad to see the ball rebound back of the foot of the post.
Poole made the breakthrough with just 5 minutes played when a series of shots were blocked, or saved by Jamie Beale, only for the ball to fall to Justin Bennett who slotted home from close range.
Following this start few chances were created, but Poole went close to doubling their lead with 23 minutes played but Bennett’s fierce effort was tipped over the bar by Jamie Beale. On the half hour mark a ball by Aidan Kirby found an unmarked Ashley Clarke coming in at the back post but his goal bound shot was blocked bravely by Hutchings. Shortly after this Poole Town’s Dan Cann saw his header from a corner glance off the top of the bar.
The final chance of the half fell to the Gills when a Steve Smith free kick from just outside the area went straight into the arms of Hutchings. So at half time Poole were certainly looking the better team but few chances were being created and the Gills’ looked dangerous on the break with their young players growing in confidence.
When the second half got underway it was a much more even affair, but neither side could create any real chances. However, the longer the game went on the more the Gills were getting into the game and they started to put the Poole defence under a bit of pressure. As a result several half chances were created but none could be converted. Then with quarter of an hour left Steve Smith was bundled over inside the box and clearly felt he should have had a penalty but the Referee waved away his appeals.
Poole put the game to bed with 5 minutes left by scoring a second goal when a free kick fell to Justin Bennett inside the box again and, as before, he didn’t waste the opportunity.
Man of the Match was Dan Cox, but a big well done to all of the Gills’ players for their effort and commitment, especially to Nick Hewlett having to make his first start for the Club on such a big stage.
The next game for the Gills is Saturday when they host Street.
Gills line-up: Beale, Murray, N Thomson, Compton, Hewlett, Agbo (Sansom 79), Cox, Clarke, Smith, Kirby, Rodriguez. Unused subs: Lynn, Bevis, Harris
Terry Lucas
