PRAGMATIC boss Tom Killick admitted Poole Town were "fortunate" to earn an FA Vase fourth round replay against Northern League Consett AFC.
The away side dominated much of the tie, but Karl Yelland's goal six minutes into the second half cancelled out Steven Brown's wonder strike.
Extra-time failed to separate the teams, and speaking after the clash, Killick was honest in his appraisal.
He said: I thought we were a bit fortunate taking into account the amount of chances they had.
I think they looked more accomplished than us as a team but we've seen what they can offer now.'' With the apocalyptic weather forecast never materialising, Poole were eager to cause an upset in front of a vociferous Tatnam crowd.
But Consett seized the initiative through the exceptional but petulant winger David Pounder, and the away side exerted their influence on the game.
For all their possession though, the County Durham outfit couldn't force an opener, thanks largely to the excellent defensive duo of Aaron Skelton and Luke Whitley.
However, on the stroke of half-time, a mistake from the ubiquitous Taffy Richardson forced Mark Robinson into committing a foul.
And with the clock ticking, Brown stepped up and rifled a 20-yard shot into the top corner, leaving keeper Jason Harvell statuesque as the ball arrowed past.
Consett deserved their lead, but a stern team-talk from manager Killick galvanised the Dolphins who countered with some neat and penetrating football.
They were duly rewarded shortly after half time too, when Yelland's precise, in-swinging corner seemed to deflect in off a defender, although Yelland was credited with the goal.
With confidence restored, Poole began to press but couldn't turn their territorial advantage into a second, and with the game stretched, Consett reclaimed the initiative.
On numerous occasions the Dolphins' defence was pierced, but forwards Matthew Moffat and Steven Johnson were profligate, missing golden opportunities to take a decisive lead in normal and extra-time.
These failures may haunt Consett, who seemed dejected at the final whistle, and boss Killick fully believes his side can cause an upset in Saturday's replay.
He told the Daily Echo: "If that was the best we could do I would be concerned, but I know there's a lot more we can offer, so I'm still hopeful.
"If there was a likely result other than a draw it was a win for them, so I'm grateful that we've come through unscathed.
"We worked hard but none of our attacking players stood out and that was probably why we weren't much of a threat.
"We've got to rectify that when we go up there, our attacking players must do better." But Killick is concerned with his side's congested schedule, and is eager for Tuesday's Wessex League match at Ringwood to be rearranged, to give his players suitable recovery time before the demanding coach trip to the north of England.
He added: "We're meant to have a game on Tuesday but I would hope we get dispensation to re-arrange it.
Consett haven't got a match mid-week and I would be disappointed if the league made us play against Ringwood."
Poole Town: Harvell, Yelland, Skelton, Whitley, Cann, Richardson (Funnell 57), Brown (C Smith 101), Culliford, T Smith, Robinson, S Smith (P Smith, 72).
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