TOBY Holmes scored twice as Poole Town came from behind to beat Winchester City and collect three crucial points in their battle to avoid relegation.

Dolphins, again using Dorchester Town’s Avenue Stadium as their temporary home due to pitch problems at Tatnam, fell behind to an early Ik Hill goal.

But Holmes quickly equalised from the penalty spot, before tucking in a late winner.

The victory sees Poole move to 14th, three points clear of the relegation zone.

On a run of eight matches without a win in Southern League Premier South, boss Steve Tully made just one change to his team, with Wes Fogden taking the place of Billy Lowes in midfield.

Winchester missed a big opportunity to take the lead inside three minutes, Simbarashe Mlambo failing to convert a swift counter-attack.

But the Citizens were soon ahead, as Hill ran through the defence and slotted home.

Mlambo then fired over the bar, before Poole were given a lifeline by way of a penalty, which Holmes duly converted.

Former Dolphins keeper Luke Cairney denied Holmes a second, before the lively Tyler Forbes fired into the side netting as the first half ended level.

Cairney again came out on top against striker Holmes early in the second period, while at the other end goalkeeper Max Evans did well to thwart Hill.

Cairney had to be alert to prevent an own goal from crossing his goal-line and watched on gratefully as Fogden smashed a shot against the crossbar.

But Poole did get their noses in front on 77 minutes, Declan Rose’s low cross cleverly diverted high into the net by Holmes.

Tully’s side return to action on Saturday, hosting Beaconsfield Town (3pm).

Dolphins: Evans, Rose, Staunton, Whisken, Wright, Murray (Lowes, 77), Fogden, Forbes (Scrimshaw, 87), Samadi (Santos, 59), Slade, Holmes.

Unused subs: Hutchinson, Whitbread.

Attendance: 225.