BOSS Tom Killick watched title-chasing Poole Town close in on leaders Hungerford but then warned: We must improve.

Killick admitted Dolphins had been some way short of their best during their 1-0 home win over Evesham United last night.

Adam Kelly's strike settled the drab Southern League clash to help Poole move to within two points of Hungerford with four games in hand.

Former Truro City midfielder Kelly smashed home a loose ball 10 minutes into the second half after a long throw from Dan Cann, who made his long-awaited return from injury, had not been cleared.

However, the hosts were fortunate to claim the three points after they had handed the Robins plenty of chances to level matters.

And with the race for promotion gathering pace in Division One South & West, Killick is aware that his men need to quickly rediscover top form.

The Poole manager told the Daily Echo: “When you don't play as well as you know you can, there is always a feeling of frustration but, when you manage to win, the frustration is reduced a bit.

“We know we didn't play particularly well but, at this stage, I was very happy to get the positive result. We know we have got to try to improve. At the moment, elements of our game need to improve.”

The victory came hot on the heels of Poole being hit by a season-ending injury to midfielder Glenn Howes in their match at Merthyr on Saturday.

Asked about the response of his team, Killick added: “From that point of view, I was pleased with the players. But we weren't very fluent and it was not a very good game.”

Elsewhere in the same division, Wimborne Town boss Steve Cuss was left to rue missed opportunities following his team's 0-0 at Bridgwater Town.

Cuss said: “We are always pleased to get a point on the road but, on this occasion, I was disappointed we couldn't produce that extra bit of class to get a goal. We had chances to win the game but we didn't quite manage to put them away.”

Dolphins: Hutchings, Clarke, Spetch, Dibba, Walker, Kelly (Richardson, 88), Charles (Burbidge, 68), Devlin, Byerley (Cann, 51), Preston, Brooks. Unused sub: Baines.

Magpies: Harvell, Case, Maybury, Costello, Peprah-Annan, Blake, Moth, Hubbard, Jeffes (Smith, 81), Davidson (Kemble, 81), Webb. Unused subs: Cole, Brian, Ackerman (g/k).

  • In the Wessex Premier, Martin Warren's double set Bournemouth Poppies on their way to a 3-1 win at Hayling United.

Poppies: Jones, Ayrton, Jackson, Corby, Batchelor, Saadi, Lockyer, Phillipson-Masters, Joyce, Warren, Phillips (Martinez, 81). Unused subs: Hales, Clarke, Turner, Watt.