Poole Town produced a terrific performance under the lights at the Cygnet Health Care Stadium, battering Taunton Town 4–1 with the help of hat-trick hero Shaquille Gwengwe!

The Dolphins bounced back impressively, both in the league after Saturday’s 3–2 loss to Gloucester, and within the game itself after losing Billy Lowes and going 1–0 down inside the opening half-hour.

Poole were on top for the first 15 minutes, dominating possession and creating the better chances, even having a goal marginally ruled out for offside. However, a nasty injury to Lowes disrupted their rhythm and signalled a shift in momentum. Taunton capitalised in the 28th minute when Richards headed home from a cross into the box.

The Dolphins responded instantly. After a flurry of corners in the 39th minute, including two incredible saves from Taunton keeper Phillips, one tipped onto the bar, he was finally beaten when Harvey Slade powered in a header from another corner in the 40th minute to give Poole their deserved equaliser.

Poole started the second half just as they ended the first, on the front foot, and took the lead in the 52nd minute. A mix-up at the back from the Taunton defence allowed Henry Spalding to latch onto a loose ball in the box and square it for Shaq, who tapped home for his first of the night.

The visitors continued to press and struck again in the 60th minute when Ryan Campbell’s whipped delivery from the edge of the box was met perfectly by Gwengwe, who headed into the far corner for 3–1. The Dolphins didn’t stop there, just three minutes later, Shaq was bundled down in the box, earning a penalty and the chance for his hat-trick.

He made no mistake. In the 64th minute, he coolly slotted his spot-kick down the middle to complete his hat-trick and seal Poole’s fourth of the night, rounding off an excellent all-round performance.

Poole controlled the ball for the remainder of the game, and despite a few late Taunton attacks, the defence held firm to see out a well-earned victory, bringing all three points back home.

The result keeps Poole third in the Southern League Premier South on 27 points, now hoping to pull away from Wimborne Town in fourth on 21. Next up is an FA Trophy trip to Plymouth Parkway on Saturday, where Pat and Joe will be hoping the team can continue their fine form and progress to the next round.