MANAGER Tom Killick believes the rivalry between Poole and Wimborne has been “diluted” by their separation in the league pyramid.

Dolphins, who are two divisions higher than Magpies, are set to host their neighbours in the last four of the Dorset Senior Cup tonight (7.45pm).

The clash is a repeat of the 2013 final, in which Poole triumphed 4-1 at the County Ground.

Magpies knocked Killick’s men out in the quarter-final of last season’s competition after securing victory in a 4-3 thriller.

But while the cup itself is still of great significance to the Poole boss, he believes the war between the clubs has lessened.

Killick told the Daily Echo: “When we were in the same league as Wimborne, I remember those days and the rivalry was quite intense.

“I think it does get diluted when you are in different leagues but they have players who used to play for us and that always adds to it.

“They will be desperate to prove we are not very good and they are better than they are. I feel that is always the mentality.

“I imagine it will be a very big thing for Wimborne and we want to win the competition so, from that point of view, it’s a big deal for us as well.

“Whatever side we pick, we are very keen to win the game.”

National South Dolphins are the highest-ranked side in the competition and are looking to regain the crown for the first time since 2014.

“I have always had a soft spot for the Dorset Senior Cup,” added Killick.

“I was lucky enough to have won it as a player a few times and as a manager I have won it on a couple of occasions.

“Winning trophies is what we are all in the game for. A lot of people might look at it as a poor relation in terms of cup competition but it’s the only one we are left in and it deserves our respect.”

Wimborne booked their place in the last four by seeing off Gillingham Town 8-2 in the first round and Dorchester Town 2-0 in the quarter-final, while Poole recorded a convincing 10-2 win at Hamworthy United in the last eight.

Magpies have not lifted the trophy since 1997 when they overcame Wareham Rangers 2-0 in the final.

But boss Matty Holmes, who won the cup as a player with Dorchester Town, is determined to end the club’s 21-year wait and record his first piece of managerial silverware in the process.

He said: “I want to win this cup. I want some silverware in my first manager’s role.

“It’s going to be really tough because we have a lot of respect for Poole. They are two leagues above us, we are the underdogs but have nothing to lose.

“It’s tough at this level with our budget to get silverware or promotion. Lots of teams have bigger budgets and a lot more players to choose from.

“This is one we feel we have a chance of doing really well in.”

The winners of the clash will face either Shaftesbury Town or Portland United, who also contest their semi-final tonight.