PIRATES may have beaten cup finalists Eastbourne four times in the league already this season.

But Poole Castle Cover chief Matt Ford insists they are looking no further ahead than trying to overcome cup holders Coventry in a semi-final replay.

The new-look Bees, who strengthened their struggling team dramatically early last month, return to Wimborne Road for the replay first leg tonight (7.45pm) buoyed by a 45-45 draw at the same venue on August 13.

Only an uncharacteristic last-bend mistake by Chris Harris, which left room for Chris Holder to dive up the inside and beat Bomber to the line in the final race, saved Pirates from defeat then.

Holder's brilliant last-gasp pass salvaged Poole a draw on the night and the indignity of a shock cup exit following a 90-90 stalemate on aggregate.

Asked how he felt about the prospect of meeting Eagles in the final, following their 95-91 triumph over Lakeside secured by Eastbourne's 54-39 home win on Saturday, Ford said: "We're not even going there.

"We're not in the final. We have to go up against a team who held us 45-all twice, at their place and ours. We were never leading at home.

"So we just have to concentrate on getting to the final. It'll be hard enough just getting there, so we're not even thinking about it at this time."

Ford, whose table-toppers are chasing a league and cup double, added: "Yes, we've had success against Eastbourne, but we know they'll be determined to put it right.

"It doesn't matter who else is in the final, we have a stern test to overcome Coventry.

"I know our semi can go either way because it's not the same Coventry team from a month ago. They're riding much better now.

"Let's hope we are stronger over two legs this time and can look forward to going into the final.

"We know we're in for a big fight. It can go our way, but it can go Coventry's as well.

"We're at full strength, but Simon Stead has a broken collarbone and everyone except Hans Andersen can take his rides, so it won't affect their performance."

Pirates will be spurred by comprehensive home league victories over Belle Vue, Peterborough and Swindon since their narrow escape against the Bees.

Coventry, rained-off after leading 14-10 at Belle Vue on Monday, have not set a cup second leg tie date.

Pirates: 1 Chris Holder, 2 Magnus Zetterstrom, 3 Bjarne Pedersen, 4 Adam Skornicki, 5 Davey Watt, 6 Daniel Davidsson, 7 Freddie Eriksson.

Coventry: 1 Hans Andersen, 2 Rider replacement for Simon Stead, 3 Chris Harris, 4 Billy Janniro, 5 Oliver Allen, 6 Ben Barker, 7 Filip Sitera.