Poole Town manager Tommy Killick was pleased with his side’s defensive efforts in their 1-0 victory over Hendon on Saturday, but described their overall performance as ‘below par’.
The Dolphins stole the three points after midfielder Josh Carmichael hit a superb volley from the edge of the area just before the half time whistle.
Killick however believes his men were not at their best.
He said: “We lacked a bit of fluency and imagination and didn’t show enough quality to break them down.
“Overall, it probably was a poor performance from us but the good thing was that we sustained a lot of pressure at the end which we did well.”
The match saw a red card for either side, with Hendon’s Sam Corcoran being sent off just two minutes in after a slap on Christian Saydee.
Then on 70 minutes the home side were really put under a flurry of late Hendon pressure after 18 year old right back Declan Rose was subject to a very harsh looking second yellow card.
Killick said: “The red card in the first minute changed the dynamic of the game and lead to them just trying to sit deep and play for a draw or a goal on the break.
“It was a ridiculous decision (the Rose red card) but the referee is under pressure from them after the early red card.
“We spoke about not putting ourselves at risk and I don’t think Declan did, I think the referee wanted to send him off.”
The victory sees Poole extend their unbeaten start to the season to five matches and places them in second place with a game in hand on Southern Premier South leaders Tiverton.
On his seasons ambitions for the 20/21 campaign Killick said: “We always set our sights high and we want to challenge right at the top.
“The players have a spirit and a belief between them and they certainly think they can challenge at the top.”
Late Fishlock strike earns Poppies a draw in tight affair with Fleet