Southern League

South & West Division

Cinderford Town 1

Poole Town 2

TOWN boss Steve Peters says Poole are the best side he's seen in the South & West Division this season.

"I think they've won 9 out of their last 11 and we've played them three times and lost all three," he said.

"I like the way they play. They're organised, with a few older heads, but they also create. They are tough to beat.

"We missed a lot of chances, but to be fair so did they. In all honesty, we were beaten by a better side."

This defeat saw Cinderford drop to ninth in the league, albeit just five points behind fourth-placed Poole.

The visitors had a goal disallowed for offside before taking the lead on 24 minutes through a Will Spetch header from a corner.

Kris Miller and Dale Evans went closest for Town, but Poole looked dangerous going forward and Alex Harris had to make two fine saves to deny Spetch and Emerson. Town's stand-in keeper Harris – deputising for Ben John who broke his wrist in training – was a busy boy, needing to be alert to thwart Brooks.

Andy Lewis headed a Matt Smith cross against the post as Cinderford produced some neat one-touch play that lacked a cutting edge.

The game remained in the balance as chances came and went at both ends.

Dale Evans had another free-kick saved, before Harris blocked an effort from Preston. The visitors wrapped things up when Preston scored from the penalty-spot on 85 minutes after being brought down by Matt Smith.

Cinderford were awarded a penalty of their own two minutes later for a foul on Aaron Cornwall.

Mike Whittington converted the spot-kick after some play acting from Poole keeper Hutchings.

"We're in the middle of a bit of a bad run but with 12 games to go we're only five points off fourth," said Peters.

"We need to realise our potential, but we'll certainly make things tough for whoever we play." This Saturday, Cinderford go to Mangotsfield United.

Nick McCootie returns from a ban, while Craig Tait will also be available.

Lewis Sommers (calf) and Matt Barnes (knee ligaments) will need to prove their fitness.

Cinderford Town: Alex Harris, Ashley Malcolm (Warren Archer 46), Matt Smith, Dan Harrison, Greg Lewis, Dale Evans (Josh Emery 69), Andy Lewis, Nick Hancock (Kris Miller 46), Aaron Cornwall, Dean Lee, Mike Whittington. Subs not used: Will Loughman, Danny Haines.