Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Poole Town: Austin will have to beat his mate to impress Wilson
SOUGHT-after Poole Town striker Charlie Austin is hoping his best mate will not scupper his chances of earning a crack at the big time.
The prolific non-league marksman will be desperate to showcase his talents in front of watching Swindon Town manager Danny Wilson when Poole host Bournemouth Poppies tonight (7.45pm).
Austin impressed during a trial spell with the Wiltshire outfit last week and Wilson is expected to be among the crowd at Tatnam to take a final check before deciding whether to make a move.
And having seen his chances of joining Cherries dashed by the clubs ongoing transfer embargo, Austin, 20, will be pinning his hopes on turning Wilsons head.
However, standing in his way will be Poppies goalkeeper Jason Harvell one of Austins closest pals off the pitch following their time together with Poole last season.
Hes the best keeper in the Wessex League by a country mile, said Austin, who Cherries boss Eddie Howe would have been keen to sign but for the embargo.
Hes going to be tough to beat and is also going to have a point to prove as to why he moved to Poppies in the summer.
Austin, who has hit 11 goals in all competitions this season, added: The trial with Swindon went really well. I played a reserve game against Swansea and scored which did my confidence a lot of good.
The coaching staff spoke to me a few times and said I was doing well and the other lads were really good with me.
Robins boss Wilson has already expressed his admiration for Swindon-born Austin.
He may have a little bit of a chance because he has a fantastic goalscoring record, said Wilson in an interview with the club website. You tend to find that goalscorers can score at most levels.
Poppies star Harvell saw his own chances of carving out a professional career ended when he was released by Cherries in 2004 after serving his apprenticeship at Dean Court.
Harvell, who now fits flooring, told the Daily Echo: Charlie is pretty sure hes going to score past me and Im pretty sure Im going to keep him out. Hes quite a confident lad and, whether or not he scores against me, I really hope he goes on to make the grade.
Poole have signed Dean Court trialist Andre Costa on non-contract forms and he is named in the Dolphins squad for tonights clash. The former Hayes & Yeading winger will continue to train with Cherries.
Poole Town: (from) Jones, Poore, Preston, Dibba, Whitley, Richardson, Brown, Hubbard, Cook, Austin, Gill, Lloyd, S Smith, P Smith, T Smith, Costa.
Poppies: (from) Harvell, Arnold, Crutcher, Byrne, Jones, Diaper, Sanderson, Wrixton, Blake, Glenister, Cann, Roberts, Toy, Bates, Phillipson-Masters, Vaughan.
Adam Costello (groin) and Tom Jeffes (dead leg) are doubtful for Christchurchs Wessex League clash with Hayling United at Hurn Bridge, while Gareth Barnes (groin) is definitely ruled out (7.45pm).
Christchurch: (from) Kearn, Costello, Danny Taylor, Crutchley, Linpow, Lawrence, Smith, Burden, Jeffes, Osborne, Fairbrother, Price, Lucas, Dan Taylor, Rideout, Legg.
