A week after calling for more from his frontman Tony Lee, boss Tom Killick was happy to note the immediate improvement in Lee’s game.
Some may have felt that criticism of a striker who has scored in every game so far this campaign may be harsh, but Tony Lee took his managers’ advice to heart after Poole’s home defeat to Farnborough.
With winger Luke Burbidge stealing the headlines this weekend thanks to his brace, Lee was left to toil upfront against three centre-halves – but earnt the praise of his manager.
Speaking to All Poole Aren’t We, manager Tom Killick stated: “I think Tony thrives on scoring goals.
“Again, we talked about being out of possession, occupying defenders, being quite aggressive, his work rate, I felt his all-round play was much better in terms of unsettling defenders.”
Lee grabbed two assists during the game, creating one goal out of nothing by contesting a high ball with Harrow ‘keeper Damien Las. By beating the Fulham loanee to the ball, Lee teed up Burbidge for his second goal.
With five goals in his opening three matches, Lee was always looking to stretch that run further. After a tireless afternoon with little service, some may have written the former Eastleigh player off – but Lee was to grab a deserved goal.
In comparison to his recent strikes, it was relatively easy – as he was allowed time and space in the box to nod home Declan Rose’s free-kick.
Killick added: “For him to improve on all that, and still retain the ability to grab himself a goal is very pleasing.”
The former Wimborne hotshot impressed then Killick with unselfish play for Poole’s fourth.
After cutting out a poor back pass, Lee seemingly was through one-on-one – but held the ball up to be able to cut it back for substitute Will Fletcher.
With an open goal, Fletcher couldn’t miss – and Killick was delighted with the teamwork on display.
“I was pleased for him, and I was also very pleased for young Will to come and score a goal,” continued Killick.
“I felt that Tony dealt with that situation very, very well.
“It looked like he had the opportunity to just smash it and score for himself, he had the opportunity of doing that, but instead he has just waited, and was quite cute.
“Will’s a lovely kid with a lot of potential, and that goal will do Will a lot of good as well.”
With Jack Dickson unavailable due to a pre-booked holiday, Sam Jackson stepped into the side for his first appearance of the season. Killick was pleased with the left-back, stating:
“I was very impressed today with Sam Jackson, he’s probably considered himself unfortunate to be out of the side, stated Killick.
“He’s come in, and I felt he was very, very sound – he didn’t put a foot wrong at left-back. I’m very pleased with him.”
Jackson is in line to start against his former side Dorchester on Monday, with Dickson still unavailable.
All Poole Aren't We 