Didcot Town had defender Alex Stanley sent off during Saturday’s 5-2 thrashing by Poole in what proved to be boss Francis Vines last Division 1 South & West game in charge.

The scoreline could have been worse as Poole carved Didcot open almost at will.

New signing Shaun Allaway tipped over a shot by Micky Hubbard, before the visitors scored twice in a minute.

Scott Joyce fired the Dolphins ahead after Marvin Brookes’s header rebounded off the bar.

Seconds later, an unmarked Dan Cann nodded home from 12 yards as Poole threatened to run amok.

Poole were reduced to ten men when Brookes was red-carded for tugging back Craig Faulconbridge.

And on 35 minutes, Stanley was sent off for a second yellow card.

Poole’s dominance continued after the break although Cann looking a yard offside, rounded Allaway and side-footed home.

There was no disputing Carl Preston’s fourth goal.

Didcot pulled one back through Ian Concannon, with his 284th career goal for Didcot on an unexpected return to action.

But a brilliant solo run from Preston ended with a simple headed goal for sub Russell Cook.

Debutant Richard Owusu fired home a stunning strike with seconds remaining on his debut, but it was too little, too late.

Didcot Tn: Allaway, Heapy, Halliday (Henderson 72), Peirson, Stanley, Owusu, Millar (Lynch 72), Howell, Faulconbridge, Seaward, Charles (Conc-annon 72).

Attendance: 165.