ANOTHER Wessex League season is under way - and Poole Town again look like the side to beat as teams tussle for Premier Division glory.

Tom Killick's men, who set the early pace last term, have done so again in impressive fashion this time round.

Despite having a host of new players to bed into his side, Killick seems to have got things just right, with Dolphins recording three consecutive wins without conceding a goal.

In truth, the hard work was done during the summer, when the Tatnam chief made some superb moves in the transfer market.

The signings of Lamin Dibba and Leigh Phillips from Bournemouth Poppies were always going to be safe bets, while James Bailey-Pearce and Jack Swann were also solid signings.

But two more unlikely stars seem to have emerged and made a big impact since their arrival at the club.

Micky Hubbard, who joined from neighbours Hamworthy United, is an interesting case in point. Despite demonstrating fine technique and plenty of prowess in dead-ball situations, the former Cherries trainee was used primarily as a right-back by Phil Simkin last season.

But alongside veteran Taffy Richardson, Hubbard has made a decent start to the campaign, putting his creativity to good use.

Also showing signs of being a fine acquisition is Charlie Austin, the young forward signed from Hellenic League outfit Hungerford Town in the close-season, who has netted four goals in as many games.

Likely to pose the biggest threat are Wimborne Town, despite a mixed start to the season, which has seen Magpies lose at the hands of unfancied Brading Town and defeat Dawlish in the FA Cup.

Christer Warren was also busy during the summer and he brought in the likes of Dan Cann from Poole, Liam Green from VT and Danny Gibbons from Brockenhurst.

All are good players and, no matter what the outcome, expect to see Warren's men play some of the most attractive football in the division.

However, rumours of dressing room unrest will do nothing to help Wimborne's cause and talk is rife about star striker Scott Joyce, the Wessex League's most prolific marksman in recent times, with both Poole and Brock believed to be chasing his signature.

Whether Brock prise Joyce from Cuthbury or not, they are also set to be in the mix this term, after boss John Pyatt built a fine side during the summer.

Experience is in ready supply, with ex-professionals Russ Perrett and John Bailey leading the way, while youthful endeavour comes in the shape of Tom Jeffes, who scored plenty of goals for Poppies last term.

There are also noteworthy dark horses lingering just below the elite few who merit a mention.

Of those, Hamworthy United look the best bet to break into the top six after they became the main beneficiary of Poppies' uncertainty in the summer in signing Ollie Cherrett, Max Crow, Mark Dancer, Rich McCabe and Tim Constable from Victoria Park.

Graham Kemp also did well in the close-season, recruiting Stuart Kearn, Mark Smith, Steve Strong and Gareth Barnes from Poppies.

However, his Christchurch side were way off the pace last term, so a top-10 would probably be viewed as a success.

Meanwhile, new-look Poppies have begun well, but will struggle to match the achievements of James Wood's side of last season.

So while the chasing pack seem to have more quality, Poole are again leading after the first few furlongs.

Despite their fine start, Dolphins will no doubt be wary of avoiding a dose of deja-vu.

They went 12 games unbeaten in the Premier Division last time out and, despite being runaway leaders at one point, were caught and eventually overhauled by AFC Totton.

It remains to be seen if the scars of that capitulation have healed, but the early-season favourites are sure to be chased hard in their bid for the championship.