NEW boy Scott Joyce opened his Poole Town account against Cherries and then admitted he was relishing the opportunity of a fresh challenge at Tatnam.

The experienced striker this summer called time on his five-year spell at Wimborne Town to link up with Tom Killick’s Southern League new boys.

And the 29-year-old got off the mark in style, bagging Dolphins’ fourth goal in Thursday night’s dramatic 4-4 draw against Lee Bradbury’s big guns.

Joyce told the Echo: “Poole was the only club I would have gone to. It’s an ambitious club with plans to build a new stadium and I’m really looking forward to the future here.

“If everything goes to plan, I can see a long-term stay with Poole, as long as the fans warm to me and the coaching staff are happy with me.

“It was a big decision to make and, as the two clubs are so close, people are always going to be upset about me moving.

“I had always wanted to play for Wimborne Town but it was time to move on.

“Wimborne is a great club and I really enjoyed my stay there, the fans were great and everyone behind the scenes was brilliant, but I needed a new test.

“It’s essential for me to become a big name at this football club.”

Killick has secured the services of all of his Wessex League title-winning squad, as well as bringing in former Christchurch man Tom Price and Joyce ahead of Dolphins’ return to the Southern League.

The former Poppies frontman added: “It’s not going to be easy getting picked every week, I’m going to have to work extra hard to secure a spot, especially when we face Wimborne.

“I was really pleased with the performance I gave in the second half against Bournemouth and, more importantly, I got my name on the score sheet. It was great to show my face to all the Poole fans and hopefully the goal impressed them.

“It was absolutely fantastic for us to go 3-0 up in the first half against a League One side. If that does not give you confidence, I don’t know what will.

“But we can’t be complacent, as there is still lots of fitness work we need to do to stay sharp.”