It was derby day delight for the Dolphins who pushed aside local rivals Dorchester Town in a 2-0 win on Tuesday night at Tatnam.

Selim Saied returned to the starting eleven for Poole with Kris Campbell dropping to the bench.

It was set up to be fantastic viewing under the lights at Tatnam with ex-Poole manager Tom Killick taking to the away dugout for only the second time since his departure in 2023.

The match got underway with end-to-end action for both sides, but it was Shaquille Gwengwe with the first chance for Poole, his slotted effort was tipped round the post by Joe Beasant in the Dorchester goal.

The deadlock was broken after 20 minutes on the clock through Antonio Diaz after being found by Saied, Diaz delicately passed the ball into the back of the net to give Poole an early first half lead.

The Dolphins continued to control possession after their opener and were in search of a second before the break.

Gwengwe had an effort on the half hour mark but was unable to trouble Beasant in between the sticks for the away side.

The visitors had their first chance of the match through ex-Poole player Will Spetch, his headed effort was fired over the bar.

Just before the break, Poole went close again through Diaz for the second time, but his effort was well defended by the Dorchester backline.

Proceedings were brought to a close with Poole going in for the break with a 1-0 lead.

Dorchester came out of the blocks at the start of the second half and started to send more bodies forward in search of an equaliser.

Poole looked to hit the visitors on the break almost to full effect through Saied as his audacious effort was easily dealt with by the Dorchester shot-stopper.

With a tense atmosphere in the air for this local derby, and a general consensus that the next goal was vital, Antonio Diaz was brought down in the area with the referee pointing to the spot.

Gwengwe stepped up for Poole and converted against his old side to gift the Dolphins a 2-0 lead at Tatnam.

Having a 2-0 lead in this one allowed Poole to sit back and soak up the Dorchester pressure and stay resilient and resolute in their defensive display.

Dorchester continued to push for an equaliser, but it always seemed destined that Poole would hold on to a deserved 2-0 win under the lights at Tatnam.

Another comprehensive performance from Joe Lea and Pat Suraci’s side as the Dolphins remain 3^rd in the Southern League Premier South with an away trip to second placed Gloucester City on Saturday next up.