WEMBLEY winner Taffy Richardson has supported Poole Town’s decision to stage their FA Vase semi-final at Tatnam, not Dean Court.

Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell offered the use of his League One outfit’s ground to the Wessex League champions, for their clash against Whitley Bay on March 26.

But Dolphins will stage the first leg tie on their own pitch, making the game all-ticket with a 2,000 capacity.

Influential Poole midfielder Richardson, who won the Vase with Wimborne at the old Wembley in 1992, said: “Playing the holders on our own pitch is an advantage to us.

“If we went to Dean Court, the surroundings would be different and you don’t know how people would react.

“It would be lovely to play there.

“It’s also top class of Eddie to make their facilities available, but we know how our players react on our own pitch and do win a lot of games there.

“It’s the right decision to try and get us to Wembley. If we get there, there’s bigger money to be made in the final.

“We might get 4,000-5,000 at Dean Court, make a few bob, but don’t get through. That would be false economy.”

Richardson, who scored Wimborne’s opener in their 5-3 final victory over Guiseley 19 years ago, added: “I remember when Dorchester Town played on their new ground.

“Every visiting team was inspired because it was a lovely stadium. Dorchester were getting beaten every time and we don’t really want to give any inspiration to anyone else.”

Before the two-legged Whitley tie, with the return on April 2, Poole have three league matches to try and dig into Winchester City’s nine-point lead at the top.

Dolphins entertain Totton & Eling tomorrow (3pm), visit Winchester City on March 19 and host Hayling on Tuesday March 22.

Vastly experienced Richardson said: “The Vase is brilliant for keeping us focused on the title.

“We have 20 players who want to play every game and you don’t want anyone taking your place.

“You have to be right up for every game. If you hold back or don’t play well, you’ll have a job getting back in the side.

“(Manager) Tom (Killick) will rest players because we have so many games, but when you play, you have to be flying.”

Dolphins: (from) Hutchings, Poore, Dibba, Skelton, Walker, McCormick, Spetch, Preston, Gill, Roberts, Sturgess, Richardson, Hubbard, Browning, Cook, Smith, Cann, Jones, Browning, Bassiriki, Seabright.

• Tickets for the Vase tie go on sale from 1.30pm at Tatnam tomorrow ahead of the Totton & Eling clash.