SALISBURY FC forward Marvin Brooks will face his old club Poole Town when the Whites entertain the Dorset side in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Brooks, pictured right, scored 14 goals in 33 appearances for the Dolphins last season having spent six years at the club, and has scored two goals so far this season for the Whites.

The forward missed Salisbury’s first three games through injury, but has said it is good to be back and fit again.

The former Poole striker spoke about the reunion with his old club and said: “I’ve known most of the players for a long time and no matter what is said prior or during the game I’m sure there will be handshakes and a few smiles at the end of the game.”

He added: “It’ll be a tough test on the 16th but I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

Speaking about the reaction he may get from the Poole fans, Brooks said: “Some things were said after my departure that I felt were unfair. But I had a great relationship with them for so long, so I can understand the frustration.”

The Whites beat Farnborough 3-2 in the first qualifying round, and have had a mixed bag of results so far this season in the league. Having played four they have won two, drawn one and lost one. The striker said the club was disappointed with how the season has started. “I think everyone at the club is disappointed by the start to the season and reality of the challenge ahead has sunk in. We have high standards at the club and it’s important that they are met.”

But he said players were still getting used to playing with each other and said: “I think we are starting to click on the pitch, learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses and the right way to play to compliment the team as a whole.

“I believe the quality is there and as long as we show character consistently we will reach those high expectations that we set ourselves.”

The Whites made it to the second qualifying round last season and Brooks has said a good cup run can create a good buzz around the club. “Cup runs are very important to players but more important to the club as a whole, it’s a great opportunity to create a buzz around the club.”

Brooks has made it to the fourth qualifying round on numerous occasions and and hopes to get there with Salisbury.