AGAINST the backdrop of jubilant scenes at Hillheads, those in red and white stood out.

For the majority of the 2,482 packed into the ground, the joy was unconfined. Fans invaded the pitch, players embraced and thoughts of Wembley ignited the party that is becoming annual in these parts.

But for Poole, there was no joy. Absolutely nothing but disappointment. Their FA Vase dream in tatters, Dolphins’ players were crestfallen.

They eventually headed for the dressing room. For some, it was too much. The tears flowed.

The prospect of another Wessex League championship and promotion remains. But that thought was scant consolation as they dejectedly exited the arena, like a wounded boxer, eventually worn down by the champ.

For the defeated Dolphins, the national stadium might never come so close. And one did not have to look far to see the cruel contrast of victory.

For the home players, it was beers rather than tears. While Dolphins’ stars might never play at Wembley, success hungry Bay will be getting their suits measured for a third year in a row.

Winners for the past two seasons, Ian Chandler’s men could make it a hat-trick. In the end, even the most ardent Tatnam regular would have struggled to dispute the outcome.

Quiet in the first leg, Paul Chow was the hosts’ familiar hero.

From ass to class in the space of a week, he left the field to a hearty chorus of cheers.

Made aware of criticism of his first leg performance – he was likened to a ‘donkey’ on a Dolphins fans forum – the Bay striker demonstrated his quality when it mattered most.

Chow said: “It had been mentioned by a few of the lads that a few of the fans last week thought I was a bit of a donkey.

“You take it with a pinch of salt and it was just humour, but it was nice to prove last week was a one-off because I didn’t play particularly well. Getting the three goals this time made a big difference.”

With accurate finishing and a poacher’s instincts, Chow was the man that turned Poole’s dream into a nightmare.

At the end, it was the 30-year-old and his colleagues that were thinking of Wembley. Poole were trying to forget it.

Dolphins headed home with little to show for their efforts although, after eight minutes, it looked as if they would spring a major surprise.

Having started brightly, Tom Killick’s men silenced the vociferous home crowd by taking the lead – and levelling the aggregate scoreline following the 2-1 reverse at Tatnam.

Dave Sturgess, who could have netted a first-leg treble, claimed the goal as Poole struck from Dan Cann’s long throw.

Chow gave a warning of his sharpness but was denied – bravely and brilliantly – by Nick Hutchings.

But at that early stage, Dolphins were on top. Pressing off the ball and confident in |possession, they had settled |well and looked to have every chance.

However, slowly but surely, Bay came into it. Hutchings denied Lee Kerr and, with Chow well placed for the rebound, Lamin Dibba blocked on the line.

But any belief that it might be Poole’s day disappeared moments later.

Michael Walker, assured and vocal in the opening exchanges, hesitated and did not deal with a long ball, and Chow made no mistake. Getting in between defender and goalkeeper, he lobbed Hutchings.

Bay had not looked all that great until the goal but, after it, Dolphins seemed deflated.

Chow had a shot blocked by Walker and Poole were given another reprieve when Paul Robinson, left unmarked in front of goal, failed to connect with a free header from Kerr’s dangerous free-kick.

On 47 minutes, Poole’s skipper Carl Poore hobbled off after falling awkwardly. With no natural replacement on the bench, Dolphins switched to a three-man backline.

Within nine minutes, Bay all but sealed the match. Aaron Skelton, Poore’s replacement, was dispossessed by Robinson who played in Chow for his second goal, another clinical finish beyond Hutchings.

Killick threw on supersub Steve Smith but Bay were in the ascendancy.

At Hillheads, they sing ‘Feed the Chow and he will score’. On Saturday, the frontman was certainly hungry. He completed his feast on 62 minutes, converting the easiest of his three goals from close range.

Russell Cook was added to the Poole attack but the game was up.

Chow was substituted to a warm ovation, while a Poole Town fan behind the goal summed up his team’s day, as he held his head in his hands.

Killick felt his team did not do themselves justice and added: “If you get to Wembley and lose, although I’m sure it is still an overwhelming disappointment, you have the consolation of having played there and having been involved in the occasion.

“But in the semi-final, you are left with nothing at all, so that is why I think it is such a difficult one.”

Walker was the last Poole player to leave the field. Heading for the tunnel, the centre-half was congratulated on his team’s efforts as a young Bay supporter shook his hand.

It was a nice gesture but, after such an exciting Vase journey, it was not the ending Dolphins wanted.