An excellent crowd of 441 turned up at Tatnam on a beautiful day to see the Dolphins take on unbeaten Frome Town in the latest chapter of this season's FA Cup. Unfortunately it was to be the biggest defeat at home for Poole since........... Frome knocked the Dolphins out of the FA Vase by 3-1 nearly two years ago!

There was a great atmosphere around the ground as the two teams came out for the start. It was the expected Poole line-up with Harvell cutting his break short in order to play.

It was clear from the start that Frome were going to be the best that Poole have played this season. They looked strong and very well organised. It was going to be a very tight match. Despite the early exchanges it was actually the visitors who took the lead on just nine minutes. A corner from the left was met by the towering header of Salter and he buried the ball past Harvell who had no chance. It was a great leap and finish and Poole were now really up against it.

Goalscoring chances were few and far between during the first half. With the lead Frome sat back a little and got players behind the ball. They defended very very well and Poole just couldn't break them down despite having the majority of possession. When Frome did break the front two looked lively and dangerous at all times.

On 42 minutes some pressure and a corner saw the ball drop to Luke Whitley on the penalty spot but unfortunately his shot went straight into the keeper's arms. Two minutes later and Stuart Brown produced a turn and his cross come shot had to be tipped over the bar by the Frome keeper. A half time lead for Frome and they just about deserved it.

Half time: 0-1.

Killick knew that things had to change in the second half and for the restart defender Carl Poore was replaced by Dave Sturgess in midfield. Poole went three at the back in an effort to get more dominance in the centre of the park.

The second half was a similar pattern to the first. Poole enjoyed the possession but Frome defended well and looked dangerous on the counter. On 55 minutes Brown crossed well and Austin, kept quiet by the Frome defence for much of the game, found a bit of space but his header went just wide.

With 20 minutes left Michael White replace Stuart Brown and Dibba was sent up front to add some extra height and power to the attack. Steve Smith came on for skipper Simon Browne as time ticked on and Poole started throwing players forward at every opportunity to try and get back into the game. They really had no choice.

On 83 minutes Kevin Gill crossed and Dibba's header again was directed straight at the keeper. A minute later and there was a slight fumble from the Frome keeper and Gill was in quickly but his shot flew high over the bar.

The classic situation then followed. Poole were caught with players up and Frome broke quickly away. Despite this they still had a lot of work to do but the front two worked it superbly. Poole were caught flat and Salter's cross from the right was nodded in by Allison.

Into injury time and Poole eventually scored when Dibba headed home from a freekick but it was always looking too little too late. Again with Poole players streaming forward Frome broke again and the impressive Salter was able to head home from close range with practically the last action of the game.

A slightly flattering scoreline but no complaints from the Poole faithful. Frome came with a plan and executed it very well. True, Poole did not play to the level they have recently but credit has to be given to Frome who just got about Poole and didn't allow them to play the way they wanted.

A terrific cup run for Poole Town this season and congratulations and best wishes to Frome and their great supporters in the next round. They deserve it.