WEMBLEY winner Alex Pike is still backing Poole Town to reach the FA Vase final despite their agonising 2-1 home defeat against holders Whitley Bay.

Pike, who managed Wimborne to Vase glory at the old national stadium in 1992, saw the Tyneside outfit net a late brace in the first leg to take control of their semi-final.

But Gosport Borough’s current boss feels the tie is far from over ahead of the return at Hillheads today (3pm).

Pike, an influential figure in south coast non-league circles for more than two decades, said: “I was disappointed Poole conceded the two goals in the last five minutes.

“But, saying that, that does in a perverse way give them a fantastic chance.

“They know they have to score at least one goal to take it to penalties.

“At least they know what they have to do.

“I don’t think it’s a mountain to climb. I’ve seen enough fighting spirit and ability in Poole’s squad and they matched Whitley for more than 80 minutes.

“So, even though they only wobbled in the last five, I don’t count them out.”

Pike, who provided live expert analysis of the first leg action for BBC Radio Solent, added: “I think Tom will use the last two goals as a spur rather than a mistake.

“Whitley will have to revise their strategy because I don’t think they were particularly dangerous going forward for a lot of the time as Michael Walker and Lamin Dibba were outstanding in Poole’s defence.

“Radio Solent have asked me to summarise for them on the final, so I would love them to get to the new Wembley!

“I’ve got my fingers crossed for Tom and the rest of the boys.”