LATE STOPPAGE TIME drama capped off a tight Dorset Senior Cup tie as Poole began the defence of their crown with a 2-1 win over local rivals Wimborne Town.
Toby Holmes’ first half strike had seemingly decided the quarter-final tie, only for Jack Hoey to reply at the start of second-half stoppage time.
However, there was still time for Poole to win the tie without the need of penalties, Harvey Wright their saviour.
Both sides made mass changes, a sprinkling of senior players among youthful line ups.
Changes were so thorough that even the men leading each side in the dugout were switched.
Magpies assistant was Chris Senior in charge of the hosts, whilst Poole’s under-23s manager Luke Burbidge in the away dugout.
Early on Holmes was released on goal, the former Wimborne frontman clipping the top of the bar with a rasping drive.
Some good footwork from Tyler Forbes released Holmes one-on-one once more, this time the striker keeping his cool slot past Ben Rodwell and open scores.
Wright descended on a surging run but was taken out in front of the area by Sonny Pike, the resultant free kick smashed into the Wimborne wall.
After rounding Will Butler in the Poole goal Baker fired at an acute angle, only for Jack Foden to be well placed to clear off the line.
That allowed Poole to flow up the other end on the counter, Holmes denied by the outstretched Rodwell at the near post.
Just before the break, Wimborne must have thought they had levelled scores.
Addwell Chipangura arrived at the back post to bundle home a cross, but somehow the ball was kept out by the sprawling Butler.
The last action of the half would fall to Holmes, the Poole striker again springing the offside trap.
However, he once again found Rodwell his equal, the score remaining 1-0 at the break.
In the second period it took some time for a notable opportunity.
Ky Samadi skipped past the heavy challenge of Connor Cocklin to slip in Forbes, his drive batted away by Rodwell.
Finn Toghill’s cross from the left just about found Jack Hoey, the Wimborne attacker’s flick pushed away by Butler.
Shortly after Magpies went close again, Chipangura powering an effort past the far post.
At the start of added seven minutes, Magpies would find their equaliser.
As Forbes attempted to hit Wimborne in the counter, he was halted by an inch perfect Ryan Watkins slide tackle.
That allowed Wimborne to get back up the pitch and find the awaiting Hoey in the area, who smashed past Butler to seemingly send the tie to penalties.
But there would be another twist in the tale.
Poole earnt a corner, which was delivered towards Wright.
The defender stooped low to steer past Rodwell and seal progression for his side.
Poole move on to play Wessex Premier League Shaftesbury in the semi finals.
The winners of that tie will play Hamworthy Recreation in the final.
Magpies: Rodwell; Hall, Pike (Arnold, 69), Cocklin, Watkins (Thornton, 90+1); Carmichael, Toghill (Whetton, 88), Griffiths (Sheehy, 71); Hoey, Chipangura, Baker.
Unused subs: Kelly.
Dolphins: Butler; Wright, Foden, Hutchinson, Marshall; Coombs (Coat, 69), Matthews, Tshaka (Best, 82), Forbes, Samadi (Whitbread, 71); Holmes.
Unused subs: Seal, Brewster.
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