Poole made another great start with McCarthy giving Poole the lead after just 8 minutes when his long range shot took a deflection to give Griffiths no chance. McCarthy seemed in the mood for goals with 2 more long range efforts just wide within the next 10 minutes. Plymouth looked most threatening down the left wing with Jones causing constant problems. On 14 minutes Staunton had to clear a dangerous cross away. On 28 minutes yet another Plymouth corner saw a header to the back post cleared by Hangar. Poole saw another couple of chances – Hangar’s excellent run down the right wing but failed to get the decent delivery required before Ramos (with very limited opportunities) saw his shot drag wide. Then on 36 minutes Ramos had the ball in the net – a spectacular overhead kick. But the goal was disallowed (unclear why). Plain was on hand to deny Jones before another great save from Garside’s fierce shot heading for the top corner. Hall’s lunging tackle on McCarthy just before half time brought a yellow which could easily have been red. So Poole went in ahead but a close half.

Plymouth started the second half the brighter with more possession and more threat. Hall had a strong shot well saved just after the restart. Plymouth deservedly equalised on 55 minutes – Hall’s incredible long range strike taking everyone by surprise – going in off the cross bar. Poole seemed to be struggling but again Tully made brave substitutions – with a triple change including the removal of Ramos. Within 2 minutes of this Pool re-took the lead. Forbes run down the right wing and great cross was sublimely met by Holmes who volleyed in from the centre of the goal. 3 minutes later and Holmes scored again – this time Hewlett’s cross from the right with Holmes well positioned for a comfortable tap in. Poole had chances to extend their lead further – Hewlett stealing the ball off a defender, rounding the keeper but his final touch let him down. Holmes looked for his hat-trick but saw his shot saved. Poole comfortably saw the game out for an important 3 points.

This was the first game Poole had scored more than 2 this season. They probably should have scored more. But this was not an easy victory over a side second bottom who had let in 9 on Saturday. Plymouth looked a decent side and through Jones showed real threat down the left wing. Key substitutions again made the difference. Forbes as a sub winger is having a real impact. Ramos will have been frustrated by limited service but still showed the real threat he has to offer. McCarthy will be pleased to finally get on the score sheet. Holmes will be delighted to score a couple while yet again Plain made some critical saves when required. Still plenty to work on but encouraging signs.