Poole Town Youth Poole Dol vs Merley FC
2 - 1
08 November 2025 · Dorset League<br>Division 6
Away league match played on 08 November 2025.
Kicked off at 2:00 PM
2-1
vs Poole Town Youth Poole Dolphins
Away league match
On 8 November 2025, Merley FC travelled to Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground to face Poole Town Youth Poole Dolphins in a league away fixture that kicked off at 2:00pm. The match concluded with Merley FC narrowly losing 2-1 after a hard-fought 90 minutes plus added time.
Merley FC lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Caelan Spooner took his place in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Ryan Trevett at right back, Ryan Vaughan and Sam Payne as central defenders, and Brandon Hay on the left. The midfield double pivot featured Jonty Hughes and Ciaran Tuley tasked with breaking up opposition play and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of them, the attacking trio of Jack Mantle on the right, Callum Gilbert centrally, and Lewis Rose on the left were expected to support lone striker Octavian Sandu, who led the line and looked to convert chances created by the team
Despite their efforts, Merley FC found it difficult to break through the Dolphins’ defensive lines in the opening 45 minutes. However, Poole Town Youth Poole Dolphins began to assert themselves more decisively. Merley FC’s defensive line was tested repeatedly, with the central defenders Vaughan and Payne called into action to repel attacks. However, the Dolphins managed to find the net twice, edging ahead on the scoreboard.
Merley FC responded with determination, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. The attacking midfielders combined well to create openings, and their efforts were rewarded when Callum Gilbert finally scored to reduce the deficit. Despite this goal, Merley FC were unable to find a second equaliser before the final whistle.
The match ended 2-1 in favour of Poole Town Youth Poole Dolphins, a result that reflected their greater clinical edge in front of goal during the first half. Merley FC showed resilience and tactical organisation throughout but ultimately fell short in a closely contested encounter at Corfe Mullen Recreation Ground.