Michael Poke was signed by manager Paul Buckle on a month-long loan from Brighton & Hove Albion on new year's day 2012. He had previously played under Buckle at Torquay United, and was brought in to replace first choice goalie Scott Bevan, who was suffering from a calf injury. Prior to his injury he put in some superb performances between the sticks and was awarded the club's Player of the Month title for February, but he wouldn't play again for the club after taking the award.