Salisbury win nine-goal thriller at Poole

Salisbury have made a habit of comebacks this season, but the Tuesday night in Poole possibly tops them all, a 5-4 win after looking beaten at halftime.

Brian Dutton’s side trailed 3-1 at halftime. The Whites showed their now trademark spirit and determination to win the game in stoppage time. Even after grabbing a late, late winner, there was time for a little more drama.

The home side got off to a great start and took the lead in the 6th minute. A through ball from Harvey Slade found Kyran Samadi in on Josh Gould in the Salisbury net, and the midfielder finished well.

Poole and Samadi doubled their tally half an hour later, with the home side having controlled the game. Samadi made an interception in the midfield and skipped past a fairly flimsy Salisbury defence before slotting home.

Salisbury were struggling to get a foothold in the game, but then against the run of play. Charlie Gunson whipped in a corner that was flicked on by Sido Jombatti and Sam Perry applied the finish at the back post after 37 minutes.

Poole fought back and reestablished their lead as the game went into time added on at the end of the first half. Luke Pardoe’s effort was too much for Gould as it flew into the back of the net.

3-1 down at halftime, it was an uphill battle for Salisbury to get anything from the game. Brian Dutton made a couple of changes with Dan Fitchett and debutant Jaden Perez replacing Harding and Penny.

The changes had an almost instant impact with Salisbury narrowing the lead just five minutes into the second half.

Fitchett combined with Josh Hedges to set up Charlie Gunson to slot home to make it 3-2, game on.

A sucker punch came from Poole though on 52 minutes when Toby Holmes reestablished the two-goal cushion for the home side. He raced on to a long ball over the top and slid the ball past Gould.

Salisbury looked to build some pressure with a succession of corners, but it was Poole who nearly increased their lead. Josh Gould produced a great save to deny Samadi his hat trick. That was Samadi’s last real involvement as Frankie Monk replaced him.

Salisbury continued to push, and Dan Fitchett had a great chance to get Salisbury back in the game after 74 minutes, missing a chance at the back post whilst just a few yards out.

However, Fitchett made amends just a few minutes later when he took a chance in similar circumstances, slotting home at the back post to take Salisbury back to only being one goal behind – 4-3.

Salisbury continued to push, and Poole dropped deeper, and there was a chance for an equaliser. Again, Fitchett was involved. He was fouled in the box, giving Salisbury a penalty. Noah Coppin stepped up and smashed the ball down the middle to make it 4-4 in the 87th minute.

The game wasn’t done for drama, though. Noah Coppin has picked up the nickname ‘The Magic Man’, and it was last-minute magic this time as he cooly finished in the 90th minute to flip the game on its head. Salisbury leading for the first time, 5-4.

Two minutes later, though, it looked like all the good work might have been dashed as Poole was awarded a penalty of their own. Tony Lee stepped up with the chance to steal the win away from Salisbury. However, he blazed his spot kick over the bar, and Salisbury managed to hang on for a dramatic late win.

Salisbury travel again on Saturday (February 3rd) for their next game with Bracknell, the hosts, for the 3 pm kick-off.