Abingdon United threw away the lead as they went down to a narrow 2-1 Southern League Division 1 South & West defeat at Poole. Despite taking the lead through Scott Griffin’s fifth-minute goal, two nightmare pieces of defending two minutes midway through the second half cost Abingdon victory.

They were given a dream start when a corner was headed back across goal by Luke Carnell where Griffin bundled home.

It could have been two for Abingdon, but Steve Davis, through on goal, shot wide from 12 yards with only the keeper to beat.

The match then became a midfield battle, with neither team able to create clear chances.

After only seven minutes of the second half, a long ball down the middle was not dealt with by Abingdon’s defence and Scott Joyce flicked on for Dan Cann to level.

Two minutes later, it got even worse when Poole went ahead.

The visitors could not clear their lines and Scott Joyce shot past James Foster.

Abingdon had a good shout for a penalty rejected when Sean McKeon was felled, but the referee waved away their appeal.

Despite their efforts Abingdon were unable to find an equaliser as they left empty-handed. Abingdon Utd: Foster J, McCready, Wimble, Allaway; Carnell, Kingsbeer, Angell (Austin 65), Doyle (Biddle 54), Griffin (Collier 58), McKeon, Davis. Subs not used: Smith, A Foster.

Attendance: 247.