CHERRIES youngster Joe Quigley has vowed to use his Poole Town loan to catch the eye in the race for a professional contract.

The towering youth team striker, who has just turned 18, last night marked his senior debut with a goal as Dolphins eased past Sholing 3-0 in the Southern League Cup.

Quigley was in the right place to notch from close range after Luke Burbidge's shot had been parried by Sholing keeper Lee Webber in the 28th minute at Tatnam. His strike was sandwiched by Luke Roberts's effort and an own goal by Dan Miller before half-time.

And while he acknowledges there will be tougher assignments ahead during his month-long youth loan, Quigley harbours hopes of a fruitful spell.

“It was a bit of a slow game but we got ourselves into it, started bopping the ball about and got our rewards in the end,” said Quigley.

“Playing at this level is all about winning and that is why I am here. I need to push myself to try and play against stronger people as well as helping Poole.

“I have tried to hone my technical side this season and hopefully his month will give me a bit of experience and put that into practice against stronger players.

“The contract is the target, that is what all the hard work is going towards and hopefully I can do what it takes. I have had a good first half to the season but I have to keep working as hard as I can and push on.”

Boss Tom Killick also handed a debut to goalkeeper Vinicius Marques de Salve who has signed non-contract terms with Poole from Polish club LTP Pogon Lwowek.

Marques de Salve will vie with ex-Hamworthy United stopper Nick Thomas for the role as backup to Nick Hutchings after Ben Manley left to join the army.

The victory guaranteed Poole at least £250 in prize money for reaching the last eight of the knockout competition. Losing semi-finalists gain £750 with the losing finalists awarded £1,500. The winners scoop £3,500.

Dolphins: Marques de Salve, Lindsay, Martin, Jermyn, Roberts, Munday, Burbidge, Devlin, Quigley, Brooks, Maloney. Unused subs: Pettefer, Tallack, Whisken, Hutchings (g/k).