TREVOR Parker has tipped Poole Town for the Wessex Premier Division title after seeing his struggling New Milton Town side hit for six at Tatnam.

Linnets created chances in the first half but Poole led 1-0 at the break through Andy Culliford's goal.

Then four goals in 18 minutes, including an eight-minute hat-trick from prolific youngster Steve Smith, proved too good for Parker's charges.

"I think we played the side that will win the league," said Parker, who managed Poole after they lost their Southern League status.

"They're no thrills and get it in the box early.

"I thought they were well equipped and would be surprised if they don't win the league.

"They're the most effective team we've played this season. I can see Wimborne coming unstuck against certain opposition and VT, but Poole are very resolute - that's my own opinion."

Parker felt Poole's opening goal came after a handball, though he admitted the better side had won.

He also said his young charges would "carry on fighting" but needed to convert cameo performances into a full 90-minute effort.

"I'm pretty fed up of people saying they thought they were going to struggle after the first half," said Parker.

"It's not 45 minutes, it's 90. They're a young side and when the door keeps shutting in front of them they get fed up of knocking and eventually capitulate."

Dolphins first-team coach Steve Cuss praised striker Smith, who took his tally for the season to 17 goals.

"He's doing really well for us," said Cuss.

"He's still only started five games. We introduced him as a sub but his goal ratio is superb.

"His link-up play has improved and it's a fantastic achievement to score 17 goals at this stage."

Smith completed his hat-trick with a penalty, which also resulted in the sending off of Linnets defender Kishan Chengadu.

Cuss praised his side's firepower after the win saw them chalk up a half-century of league goals this season.

He said: "I think I'm right in saying it's 50 league goals now from 14 matches - that's tremendous.

"But on top of that we've been solid at the back and have kept a number of clean sheets."

Cuss admitted there were bigger obstacles to come for Dolphins, who have played 10 of their 14 matches at home.

"I think everyone's aware we've got some big tests," said Cuss.

"We've got quite a bit of travelling to do and the likes of VT and Totton to play, so there's some big matches ahead."

Poole Town: Frampton, Yelland, Whitley, I Richardson, Cann, T Smith (Cannie), Sturgess, S Richardson, Culliford, Benssaouda, S Smith (Funnell). Unused sub: Cuss.

New Milton Town: Lord, K Chengadu, R Chengadu, Grace, Malloy (Kabir), Booker, Borthwick, Long, Green, Smith, Ewen.