JAMES Wood hailed the proven goalscoring prowess of Richard Gillespie after the hotshot frontman had dramatically fired Poole Town to the summit.

Southern Premier new boys Poole rocketed to the top of the table when Gillespie’s last-gasp winner sealed a 2-1 home victory over Biggleswade Town yesterday.

Dolphins looked like they might be forced to settle for a point when Sam Reed cancelled out Carl Preston’s fine opener with just seven minutes to play at Tatnam.

However, the man nicknamed ‘Mr Goals’ during his prolific spell with Bashley popped up with a trademark finish to net his fourth in the past three league games.

His effort also enhanced Dolphins’ record to four wins and a draw from their opening five matches, lifting them a point clear of rivals Hemel Hempstead Town.

Dolphins assistant boss Wood told the Daily Echo: “If we had come away with anything less than a win, it would have felt like a defeat.

“But, fortunately for us, we have got a lad called Richard Gillespie who scores goals for fun.

“It is great testament to the club and Tommy that they secured his signature. Without doubt, he guarantees goals.

“He makes great runs, he is a very intelligent player, he is stronger than he gets credit for and he is decent in the air. All round, he is a very good player.”

Wood admitted the Poole management had been left frustrated at their team’s inability to convert chances during yesterday’s clash.

He added: “It is all about the results. It was another win, it kept us unbeaten and put us top of the table.

“You cannot really ask any more but we were not really happy with the performance.”

Dolphins: Thomas, Clarke, Spetch, Oliver, Whisken, Pettefer, Davies, Devlin, Gillespie, Preston, Cann (Byerley, 70). Unused subs: Davis, Rowe, Hutchings (g/k).