BOSS Tom Killick safely piloted Poole Town into the quarter-finals of the Dorset Senior Cup and then hailed the display of his young and old midfield duo Taffy Richardson and Billy Lowes.

Richardson, 47, netted twice as the Dolphins saw off Dorset Premier League opponents Holt United at Tatnam last night, while 17-year-old Parkstone lad Lowes played a starring role in the 3-0 victory.

“It was the master and his apprentice,” said Killick. “In their own way, they were both exceptional. Taffy scored a great first goal and Billy was very impressive throughout. They were great as a pair.

“I found it quite awkward in terms of how to approach the game because I wanted to play some of the young players and some of the lads who had not had much game-time but you don’t want to get dumped out of the competition.

“I think we got it just about right. We managed to integrate some of the young players and, at the end, we had six of our youth team on the pitch. Some looked very promising, especially Billy in the middle of the park alongside Taffy. It was an amazing contrast in ages but they were both excellent.”

Richardson opened the scoring with a finely-taken effort before Michael Charles doubled their lead. Holt goalkeeper Tom Rees made a string of fine saves to keep Poole at bay before substitute stopper Aaron Parsons was beaten by Richardson’s header in the second half.

Victory set up a last-eight clash with rivals Wimborne in a repeat of last season’s final, which Poole won 4-1. The showdown at Tatnam is due to take place on December 3.

Killick added: “The odds are you are going to meet Weymouth, Dorchester or Wimborne in one of the earlier rounds. I think it is a good draw because we will get a good crowd and these games are good for both clubs.

“We want to try to win the Dorset Senior Cup and are taking it very seriously. It has provided us with a few good occasions and I have always felt it is important to put sufficient emphasis on it. Everyone knows we want to get in and around the play-offs but there is no reason why you can’t concentrate on both.”

Discussing Wimborne's season so far, with the Magpies currently two points shy of the Southern League Division One South & West play-off zone, Killick said: “When I look at the other teams in their division, I don't know why they aren't in the top three or four.

“I am a little surprised that their expectations aren't a bit higher. I don't see any reason why they shouldn't be challenging at the top end. When you look at teams like Swindon Supermarine and Merthyr, you wouldn't say they were bigger clubs than Wimborne. I think it is going to be tough for them to break into the play-off positions.”

Dolphins: Thomas, Ohameje, Buck, Clarke (Davidson, h-t), Dibba, Richardson, Lowes, Elliott (Turner, 55), Byerley, Preston (Swindlehurst, h-t), Charles. Unused subs: Cann, O’Flaherty (g/k).

Bulls: Rees (Parsons, 75), Redwood, Coombes, Pickering (Rowles-Smith, 70), Orchard, Boddy, Sullivan (Gagan, 60), Lane, Lovell, Wilkinson, Reynolds. Unused subs: Edwards, Bradford.