TOM Killick may need to overcome his managerial nemesis if Poole Town are to end their 32-year wait for a place in the first round of the FA Cup.

The Dolphins were today handed a trip to either Gosport Borough or Whitehawk in the fourth qualifying round, with the tie taking place on October 24.

Boro, who are managed by Alex Pike, tomorrow host their fellow National League South high-fliers in a replay following a 2-2 draw in East Sussex on Saturday.

And the winners will entertain Southern Premier League Poole with a place in the first round and £12,500 in prize money at stake for the victors.

Killick suffered one of his darkest days in management at the hands of Pike and Gosport when they dramatically pipped Poole to promotion in 2012.

Veteran striker Steve Claridge netted twice as the Hampshire club registered an extra-time victory in the Southern League Division One South & West play-off final at Tatnam.

Reacting to the draw, Killick, who played under Pike at Wimborne, scoring twice in their 1992 FA Vase triumph over Guiseley, told the Daily Echo: “Of all the teams we could have drawn, it was ironic that, potentially, we could meet Gosport. That play-off final defeat brings back brilliant memories for me!”

Killick added: “The draw was a little deflating. You hope to get a tie where you are possibly favourites or one against one of the big clubs in the National League. You don’t want an away draw against a powerful National South team and that was what we got.

“While the initial feeling was one of disappointment, once we get to grips with it, we will give it our best shot. We don’t play many games where we are not the favourites or there is not big pressure on us to win so, from that point of view, it is quite refreshing.

“Alex has done exceptionally well over the past few years and has transformed Gosport from the Wessex League to one of the powerhouses in National South. We don’t know too much about Whitehawk but they are fancied to be in and around the play-offs and are going well in their league.”

Should Poole face Gosport, Killick will be hoping the omens favour the Dolphins, the Dorset club having beaten them on their way to the first round in 1946-47 and in the third qualifying round in 1989.

Poole, who took their FA Cup winnings to £15,000 following Saturday’s win at Hastings, have reached the first round on four occasions, meeting QPR twice (46-47 and 66-67), Watford (62-63) and Newport County (83-84).

Meanwhile, both Poole and Wimborne are in Southern League Cup first-round action tomorrow. Holders Poole travel to Dorchester, while Wimborne host Weymouth (both 7.45pm).