A terrific first half volley from midfielder Josh Carmichael saw Poole Town defeat Hendon 1-0 on Saturday, in a game that featured a red card for either side.
The game got off to a lively start within two minutes, when ex Colchester United midfielder Sam Corcoran was sent off for the visitors after slapping Christian Saydee in the face.
The one man advantage saw the Dolphins take control of the first half and enjoy the bulk of possession and chances.
Poole’s Tony Lee would have been disappointed when he received an exquisite ball from the middle of the pitch but sent his one on one effort wide of the left post.
Saydee was also threatening for the home side and after a blocked first attempt he ambitiously attempted a bicycle kick from close range, but like Lee could only send it wide of the left.
The dominance of the home side finally paid off just before the referee’s half time whistle blew.
Saydee’s blocked shot fell perfectly for Carmichael who struck a venomous volley from just outside the area, which found its way into the bottom left corner of keeper Jonathan North’s goal.
The goal is Carmichael’s second of the season already, after he scored the second goal in the 2-1 victory over Truro City last week also at the Black Gold.
After a couple of failed early chances for Tony Lee, the second half was rather a different story for Tommy Killick’s men, with Hendon looking the much more threatening team.
Young substitute Cheyce Grant delivered a perfect ball in from the right for Hendon frontman Joe White, but the 21 year old’s free header was tame and fell perfectly into the arms of Mark Childs.
Hendon’s efforts were aided with 20 minutes to play when impressive young right back Declan Rose received a second yellow card from referee Craig Scriven for a very soft looking foul.
With ten playing against ten the visitors really felt they had the game back in their grasp, but one on one efforts from White and midfielder Shaun Lucien both failed to find the back of the net.
The three points has seen the currently undefeated Dolphins move up to second place in the Evo-Stik Southern Premier South, and with a game in hand on leaders Tiverton Town.
Poole’s next match sees them travel to 14th placed Yate Town on Saturday 24th.
Poole Town 1-0 Hendon
Goalscorers: Josh Carmichael 45′
Poole Town starting XI: 1. Mark Childs, 2. Declan Rose (sent off 70′), 4. Will Spetch 5. Jamie Whisken (C), 7. Josh Carmichael (Smeeton 68′), 8. Corby Moore, 9. Tony Lee, 10. Luke Burbridge, 11. Ben Greenwood, 16. Luke Pardoe (Rowe 68′), 18. Christian Saydee (Wright 84′)
Poole Town substitutes: Bailey Rowe, Jake Smeeton, Sean Wright, Thiago Caze Da Silva, David Jerrard,
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